Samohi Student Fatally Shot

By Lookout Staff

March 1 -- A 10th grade Samohi student was fatally shot on Pico Boulevard Tuesday night, according to high school officials.

The victim -- described as a male Hispanic -- received a gunshot wound to the upper torso on the 2600 block of Pico Boulevard at 9:21 p.m., police said

The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, said Lt. Frank Fabrega, the Police Department spokesman.

“The motive for the shooting is not known,” Fabrega said.

Samohi staff was briefed Wednesday morning and discussions took place today in all first period classes, Samohi principal Ilene Straus wrote in a letter to parents.

"This was a tragic death and we know how deeply affected all of us are by this shocking news," Straus said. “Our prayers and thoughts are with the family and friends at this time.”

Some students witnessed the shooting, Straus told CBS2 News.

A crisis team was set up in each of the campus' six "houses" and for the school as a whole, she said.

House principals visited classrooms to provide support to staff and students throughout the day, and District administrators were on site to provide additional support, Straus said.

"If students need additional support, there will be crisis response support for all students and staff as needed," Straus wrote.

Anyone having additional information should contact the Robbery-Homicide Unit of the Santa Monica Police Department at 310-458-8451 or the Watch Commander's Office at 310-458-8426.

Callers who wish to remain anonymous may also call the We-Tip national hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463).