On March 20, 2023, 16-year-old Ja’Shawn Poirier was shot outside Lamar High School in Arlington, Texas and later died at a hospital. The shooting occurred about 6:55 a.m. before classes began when a 15-year-old student approached a group near the school entrance and fired a shotgun. A 16-year-old girl suffered a graze wound to the face from shrapnel and was treated and released the same day.

The suspect fled but was soon apprehended by Arlington police and charged with capital murder; he was held at the Tarrant County Juvenile Detention Center and ordered to remain in custody while undergoing a psychiatric evaluation. Investigators did not establish a prior connection between Poirier and the shooter, and the motive remained unclear.

The killing deeply affected the Arlington community. Vigils and memorials were held, a plaque was placed at Lamar High School, and a scholarship was established in Poirier’s honor. Does anyone have memories of Ja’Shawn or information that could shed light on his life or the morning of March 20?