Police identify teen gunman who killed three boys, teacher at Oregon school

A 16-year-old former student killed three boys and a teacher Thursday afternoon at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, before a bystander fatally shot him, police said, according to ABC7 Los Angeles. A girl and another teacher were injured.

Police had not determined a motive or established how the teenager obtained the shotgun. Investigators were examining evidence and conducting interviews after searching his home.

Police identified the gunman Friday as Griffin John II, a Bend resident who had previously attended the school as a special needs student, ABC7 Los Angeles reported. The shooting began around 1 p.m. Thursday.

According to the police account reported by ABC7, the teenager tossed a shotgun across a fence and climbed into the grounds. He fired at a nearby truck, then through a door before entering a special needs classroom. Police said he fired at least 15 rounds inside.

An unidentified teacher tried to stop the attack by throwing a phone at the gunman, tackling him and attempting to take away the weapon, police said. A bystander pursued the teenager and fatally shot him. The bystander's family identified him as Kaylub Giamanco and said he had two daughters attending the school and a concealed carry permit.

The boys who died were ages 5, 8 and 11. The youngest was identified as Rhoam Summer. Megan Lambert, a 25-year-old teacher, also was killed. A 7-year-old girl remained in serious but stable condition Friday afternoon, while teacher Becky Drury, 54, was receiving treatment for serious injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

Police had not established how the teenager acquired the shotgun. ABC News, cited in the ABC7 report, said multiple sources described preliminary information suggesting his mother had purchased it. That account did not establish how the gun came into his possession.

Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz said the investigation remained open and determining a motive would require further work, according to ABC7. He cautioned that investigators might never establish a complete explanation.