Man kills his wife and one of her special needs pupils, 8, then turns the gun on himself

A teacher and an eight-year-old special needs student were killed on Monday April 10th, by the teacher's estranged husband at an elementary school in San Bernardino, California, US.

Karen Smith, 53, was in her classroom when her estranged husband, Cedric Anderson, 53, came in without a word and opened fire, reloading at least twice.


There were 15 special needs pupils in the classroom and two adult aides at the time of the attack. Standing behind Karen were two of the pupils, Jonathan Martinez, 8, and an unidentified 9-year-old pupil. They were both hit and Jonathan died later at Loma Linda University Medical Center where they were airlifted to after the attack. The other boy is in a critical condition. After shooting at Karen and the kids, Cedric turned the gun on himself.

The couple had only been married for a few months and had been estranged for several weeks. Anderson was allowed into the school after he told office staff he was dropping off something for his wife.

Following the attack, North Park Elementary School was placed on lockdown and the students were transferred to a local high school where their parents came to pick them. The school will remain closed for at least two days.