A memorial for STEM School Highlands Ranch shooting victims in Highlands Ranch, Colorado in May 2020. Photo: Hyoung Chang/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images
A second former student was convicted Tuesday over the 2019 mass shooting at STEM School Highlands Ranch, including for the murder of a teenager who tried to stop the attack.
Details: Devon Erickson, 20, was convicted in Douglas County of more than 40 charges after a jury deliberated for 4.5 hours following a three-week trial, per the Denver Post.
- Among his convictions is first-degree felony murder for the killing of student Kendrick Castillo, 18, who died lunging at his attacker in order to save classmates.
Background: Erickson's convictions come after accomplice Alec McKinney pleaded guilty last year to murder, attempted murder, conspiracy and weapons charges and was given a life sentence plus 38 years for the attack — which left eight other students wounded.
- McKinney was 16 at the time of the shooting, so he can seek parole after 40 years, Reuters notes. Erickson was 18, so he's set to receive a mandatory life sentence without parole, AP reports. He's due to have a sentencing hearing on Sept. 17.
Of note: Lawmakers in Colorado have moved to strengthen gun laws in response to the Denver attack and other mass shootings.
Flashback: Colorado tightens gun laws, one month after Boulder mass shooting