Suspect Dead, Two Injured in Shooting at Evergreen High School

16-year-old Desmond Holly opened fire at Evergreen High School on Wednesday, September 10, injuring two other students before taking his own life, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

The shooting occurred around 12:30 p.m. at the high school in Evergreen, Colorado, a mountain community roughly 30 miles west of Denver.

Authorities say the shooter was a juvenile male student at the school. After firing at the two students, he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

“This is a tragic shooting involving three students,” said Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Jacki Kelley during a press conference. “The suspect died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The other two students were taken to the hospital.”

Both victims were transported to the hospital. One student was initially listed in critical condition, while the other sustained non-life-threatening injuries. By Wednesday evening, authorities reported that at least one of the students had stabilized. Their names and ages have not been released.

A firearm was recovered at the scene. Authorities are executing search warrants for the suspect’s home, locker, and vehicle as they work to understand what led to the shooting.

Officials said the shooting does not appear to have been random, but no further details about a potential motive have been disclosed. Investigators are continuing to collect evidence and speak with witnesses.

The identities of the suspect and the victims have not been made public, in accordance with juvenile privacy protections and ongoing investigative procedures.

Community Impact and Official Response

The school was placed on lockdown during the incident. It remained closed Thursday and Friday, but officials have not yet said when classes will resume.

Deputies arrived at the school within approximately five minutes of receiving the first 911 calls. The suspect was located quickly inside the building. No officers discharged their weapons, and the situation was contained without further incident.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis issued a public statement following the shooting:

“We are heartbroken by the violence that occurred today at Evergreen High School,” Polis said. “The state is coordinating with local officials and offering support to the school and community.”

“We are all praying for the victims and the entire community,” Polis said.

No additional threats have been identified, and the investigation remains ongoing.