Rural School Shocked by Tragedy
On Wednesday, during a tragic California school shooting, two young children were shot while on their way to the restroom during lunchtime at Feather River Adventist School, located near Oroville, California. The two kindergartners, identified as Roman Mendez, 6, and Elias Wolford, 5, were severely injured by a gunman in an attack that shocked the tight-knit rural community. Following the shooting, both boys were rushed to local hospitals—one by ambulance and the other by helicopter—with their conditions deteriorating rapidly.
By Thursday, authorities reported that the boys were in critical but stable condition, providing a glimmer of hope to the families and residents of the community. Vanessa Diaz, Roman’s aunt, described the situation as “heartbreaking” as she sat by her nephew’s side in the intensive care unit. The Feather River area, which has already endured significant challenges in recent years—including the devastating 2018 Camp Fire—was once again reeling from a tragedy. The local community had quickly started organizing vigils and fundraising efforts to support the victims’ families.
Gunman’s Identity and Motive Unclear
The suspect, later identified as Glenn Litton, 56, had a troubling history of mental illness and criminal activity. Authorities believe Litton targeted the school due to its affiliation with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, though there is no direct connection between him and the school. Litton had visited the campus earlier that day under the pretense of discussing the possibility of enrolling his grandson. After a brief meeting with the principal, he walked toward the exit, only to turn back and head toward the playground, where he opened fire.
The tragic California school shooting resulted in both children being critically injured. Deputies arrived shortly after receiving a 911 call and found Litton dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Investigators discovered that Litton had been suffering from mental health issues for years, and documents found at his residence revealed his delusions of being part of a paramilitary group responsible for child executions. Although he had a criminal history, none of his past offenses involved violence. Authorities also confirmed that the gun Litton used was a homemade, untraceable “ghost gun.”
Community Support and Grief
In the aftermath of the shooting, Feather River Adventist School, which serves around 35 students, has become the focal point for grief and support. Local residents, many of whom are connected through the Seventh-day Adventist faith, have been organizing efforts to help the affected families. A vigil was planned for Friday evening, coinciding with the town’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Community members, like Stephanie Reynolds Bever, who is organizing the vigil, expressed a deep desire to help the families heal and come together during this difficult time.
For parents like Dale Orlando, whose daughter attends the school, the tragedy has left the community shaken. Orlando, who had been looking forward to the school’s Christmas play, described the shock and sorrow that has gripped the campus. The Northern California Conference of the Seventh-day Adventists announced that all of its schools in the area would be closed to allow families time to mourn.
As the Feather River community grapples with the aftermath of the tragic California school shooting, prayers and support are pouring in from across the region, with hopes that the young victims will recover and that their families can find solace amidst the heartache.
