A sad news recently shocked the nation when a husband killed his wife at a San Bernardino school before turning the gun on himself. The incident led to two students wounded. Unfortunately, one of the victims, who had a rare genetic condition and survived a heart surgery, died while the other young victim survived the shooting.
Reports said the student who died from the shooting incident was eight-year-old Jonathan Martinez. Prior to the shooting, Martinez underwent a heart surgery becauase he was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called Williams syndrome.
San Bernardino City Unified School District superintendent Dale Marsden said Williams syndrome included learning delays and heart problems as two of its main effects to a child, New York Post revealed. The North Park Elementary School, where teacher Karen Smith was killed by her estranged husband Cedric Anderson, also catered to special needs kids and those with Williams syndrome.
The school's superintendent said they will honor Martinez by spreading the awareness about Williams syndrome. Meanwhile, North Park Elementary School will remain closed until April 16.
In the United States alone, 25,000 people suffer from the disorder. Most people who have this condition would have to undergo many surgeries related to their heart problems. Older people with Williams syndrome could also suffer from kidney and gastrointestinal problems, depression and anxiety.
As for the other victim, nine-year-old Nolan Brandy, his parents, Leon and Rachel, said in a statement he is now better. They added, "We are grateful. Please continue to pray for him and also for Jonathan Martinez's and Karen Smith's families," CBS News reported.
According to the reports, Anderson concealed the weapon he used to kill his wife. He got past the front desk because he was known by the employees at the school. He told them he would drop something off to his wife but gunshots rang out later. The two have been married for a few months only before they separated. The suspect had a long criminal history including domestic violence and drug-related charges.
