SPOKANE, Wash. — As the community continues to mourn a young teen shot and killed over the weekend, police are still searching for who is responsible.
13-year-old Gavin Looper was an eighth grader at Peperzak Middle School. He was playing video games at his father’s house in Spokane’s Hillyard neighborhood on Saturday when someone shot through the back door.
His older brother, Jordan Looper, told 4 News Now in an exclusive interview that he held his brother until the police and medics arrived around 2:40 a.m.
Despite efforts to save his life, Gavin died at the hospital about an hour later.
Gavin’s mother, Renee Rogers, told 4 News Now he was a smart, funny and kind kid who ‘loved everybody.’ She said he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Extra support and counseling staff have been made available to grieving students at Peperzak Middle School.
Principal Andrew Wicks sent a letter out to parents about the additional support, reading, in part,
“We encourage you to closely observe your student in the coming days and weeks for any signs of distress or changes in behavior that may indicate a need for further support. Your care and guidance can make a meaningful difference during this difficult time.”
On Saturday night, dozens of people attended a memorial at Hart Field on the South Hill to honor and remember Gavin’s life.
While Gavin’s loved ones work to make sense of his sudden passing, they are hoping for justice and answers.
4 News Now reached out to Spokane Police Department multiple times on Sunday and Monday for updates on potential suspects or motives. On Monday afternoon, police said there were no new updates or details available.
4 News Now will continue to follow this story and update with any new information.
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