Desmond Holly Obituary, Death – The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) provided new details Thursday morning regarding the shooting at Evergreen High School that left three students hospitalized. Authorities have identified the shooter as 16-year-old Desmond Holly, who died from self-inflicted injuries on Wednesday night.
Officials said Holly carried a revolver handgun of unspecified caliber and an unknown amount of ammunition onto a school bus earlier that morning. The investigation revealed that one student was shot inside the school building while another was shot outside, prompting a rapid law enforcement response.
According to Jacki Kelley, Public Information Officer for JCSO, Holly had been “radicalized through an extremist network.” Investigators are still determining whether the shooting was targeted at specific individuals or random, with early indications suggesting it may have involved a combination of both motives.
In the aftermath of the shooting, authorities obtained warrants for Holly’s phone, locker, and home to gather further evidence as part of the ongoing investigation. The sheriff’s office emphasized that the investigation is active and that additional details will be released as they become available. JCSO is also maintaining close contact with Holly’s family to provide updates and support during the ongoing inquiry.
At the time of the shooting, the school’s permanent School Resource Officer (SRO) was on medical leave. A part-time SRO had been on duty until approximately 10:30–10:45 a.m., when they were temporarily dispatched to a nearby car accident. Despite this, law enforcement officers were on the scene within minutes of receiving reports of the shooting, helping to secure the campus and attend to the injured students.
In response to the incident, Evergreen High School has been closed for the remainder of the week, and authorities have indicated that the closure could extend into next week. The district is coordinating with law enforcement and counseling resources to ensure support for students, staff, and families affected by the traumatic events.
The shooting has raised concerns about school safety and the influence of radicalization on youth. Officials highlighted the importance of vigilance and community support in preventing such incidents in the future, stressing that identifying early warning signs and maintaining open communication channels are critical to ensuring student safety.
The three students injured in the shooting were quickly transported to local hospitals. While their current medical status has not been fully disclosed, the sheriff’s office confirmed that they survived the attack. Emergency responders, school staff, and law enforcement were praised for their swift action, which helped contain the situation and prevent further harm.
Authorities continue to examine Holly’s background, social connections, and possible motivations. The investigation will involve interviews, forensic analysis, and review of electronic evidence from the suspect’s devices and home.
As Evergreen High School and the Jefferson County community cope with the aftermath of the shooting, local officials urge parents and students to seek support through counseling services and to remain in close contact with school and law enforcement officials for updates.
