2001 Santana High School shooting

Mass shooting in Santee, California April 2022 April 2022 2001 Santana High School shooting yes Santee, California, U.S. 2001 03 05 (PST) 9:20 a.m. 32.8574 -116.9692 Mass shooting, school shooting, double-murder 2 13 Charles Andrew "Andy" Williams Arminius HW-7 .22-caliber revolver School bullying, dare by friend, psychological trauma 15 On March 5, 2001, a school shooting occurred at Santana High School in Santee, California, United States. The gunman, 15-year-old Charles Andrew Williams, opened fire with an eight-shot .22-caliber revolver, killing two students and wounding 13 others. Williams was then apprehended by responding police officers and convicted. He is currently serving 50 years to life in prison. Background Santana High School is a high school in the Grossmont Union High School District. At the time of the shooting, approximately 1,000 students were enrolled in the school. On the day of the shooting, two off-duty police officers who were visiting the school, resulting in a quick resolution to the incident. Shooting On March 5, 2001, at 9:20 a.m., 15-year-old Charles Andrew Williams entered a boys' bathroom at Santana High School with a loaded eight-shot .22-caliber revolver taken from his father's locked gun cabinet and fatally shot a freshman.Jacobson Rebecca School Shooter: 'My Grand Plan Was Suicide by Cop' https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/science-jan-june13-andywilliams_02-18 June 25, 2016 PBS NewsHour Productions LLC. February 18, 2013 He then left the bathroom and began firing the revolver indiscriminately at other students, killing another. According to one witness, Williams repeatedly walked out of the bathroom, fired shots, then went back into the bathroom. Others recounted that Williams methodically confronted and shot other students. The scene soon turned chaotic as students and teachers ducked or scrambled to safety. Minutes later, the school was on lockdown. A student teacher, Tim Estes, and Campus Security Supervisor, Peter Ruiz, walked into the bathroom to investigate what Ruiz thought may be the sound of firecrackers. Upon entering the restroom, Ruiz was shot once in the shoulder by Williams. As Estes and Ruiz turned to run, Ruiz was hit in the back by two more bullets and Estes was hit in the back by a bullet which exited through his abdomen. The two off-duty police officers at the school were alerted to the shooting, but were at different ends of the school. One of them approached the bathroom and called for backup. More officers quickly arrived, with many witnessing a swarm of students fleeing the building as they were trying to enter making it difficult. Responding officers discovered Williams in the bathroom along with two wounded victims, with one officer recounting that Williams was found in the process of reloading, the chamber was open and he was putting bullets in the gun.Pena Lindsey 2021-03-05 Santana High School shooting: 20 years later https://www.10news.com/santana-high-20th-anniv 2022-03-01 KGTV en Williams calmly surrendered stating: "It's just me, I'm the only one."Ojeda Artie March 5, 2021 First Responders Reflect on Santana High School Shooting 20 Years Later https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/first-responders-reflect-on-santana-high-school-shooting-20-years-later/2541201/ 2022-03-01 NBC 7 San Diego en-USMarch 6, 2001 San Diego Community Stunned By School Shooting KGTV http://www.thesandiegochannel.com/sand/news/stories/news-52409720010305-110346.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20010308054023/http://www.thesandiegochannel.com/sand/news/stories/news-52409720010305-110346.html March 8, 2001 The San Diego SWAT team was called to "assess and clear" the scene of the shooting. Paramedics brought all of the wounded together and lined them up outside the principal's office and wrote numbers on them in order to keep track of the wounded before transporting them to a hospital.Schmidt Steve 2016-09-02 Scars of the Santana High shooting - 10 years later https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-the-santana-shooting-10-years-later-2011mar04-htmlstory.html 2022-03-01 San Diego Union-Tribune en-US Victims Williams shot 15 people, two of whom died. The two students that were killed were 14-year-old Bryan Christian Zuckor and 17-year-old Randy Gordon.https://www.newson6.com/story/5e3683582f69d76f620982d1/another-school-shooting-victim-mourned Another School Shooting Victim Mourned KOTV-DT 2001-03-12 2026-03-14 https://web.archive.org/web/20220127081620/https://www.newson6.com/story/5e3683582f69d76f620982d1/another-school-shooting-victim-mourned 2022-01-27 liveSantana High School Shooting Victims KGTV http://www.thesandiegochannel.com/sand/news/stories/news-52880120010306-190310.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20010309185029/http://www.thesandiegochannel.com/sand/news/stories/news-52880120010306-190310.html March 9, 2001 Eleven students and two school supervisors suffered gunshot wounds and were treated at either UC San Diego Medical Center or Rady Children's Hospital. Zuckor was playing for a community basketball team at the time of the shooting, and was described by his coach as a resilient person. He apparently had dreams of becoming a stuntman in the future, and had a talent for pole vaulting. Gordon was described by his mother as a cheerful person. He apparently loved cross-country and had aspirations of joining the United States Navy after graduation.https://www.deseret.com/2001/3/11/19574442/family-friends-celebrate-life-of-slain-teen/ Family, friends celebrate life of slain teen Deseret News 2001-03-11 2026-03-14 https://web.archive.org/web/20260314180547/https://www.deseret.com/2001/3/11/19574442/family-friends-celebrate-life-of-slain-teen/ 2026-03-14 live Around 600 to 700 people attended both the boys funeral services. Perpetrator Charles Andrew Williams was born in Maryland, on February 8, 1986, the firstborn child of Jeff and Linda Williams. Known by his family as "Andrew" or "Andy" for short, he had one half-brother, Michael. His parents divorced in 1990, leaving his father with custody over him, while his mother gained custody over his brother.My child, the murderer Christopher Goodwin Simon Hattenstone https://www.theguardian.com/society/2011/oct/28/my-child-the-murderer The Guardian October 28, 2011 March 5, 2020 His mother and brother moved to South Carolina, while Andy and his father remained in Maryland. According to his former girlfriend Kathleen Seek, Andy was apparently very popular while living in Maryland. Despite this, Jeff and Andy moved to Twentynine Palms, California at least a year before the shooting.https://www.chron.com/news/nation-world/article/williams-was-traumatized-by-bullying-friend-says-1993780.php Williams was traumatized by bullying, friend says Reuters March 7, 2001 2026-03-14 Six months after this move, the two moved once again to Santee. While attending Santana High School, Williams was bullied by fellow students because of his small size.2 Dead, 13 Hurt in Calif. School Shooting https://abcnews.go.com/US/dead-13-hurt-calif-school-shooting/story?id=92482 ABC News March 5, 2001 May 6, 2011 He began to spend time with a group of skateboarders, and also began to smoke marijuana.https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2001/03/07/as-the-skinny-new-kid-suspect-suffered-taunts/ As the skinny new kid, suspect suffered taunts Tampa Bay Times 2001-03-07 2026-03-14 Williams was accepted within this peer group; however, at times these individuals also bullied him. Jeff has stated that an older man bought the boys alcohol and drugs in exchange for sexual favors and that Andy did not mention this abuse until long after his arrest. In 2011, that older man, Chris Reynolds, was sentenced to 40 years in prison in Oklahoma for molesting other adolescent boys. https://tulsaworld.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/man-given--year-term-for-sex-crimes-involving-teen/article_4442a776-caac-58d7-8a06-0d5c3649fe92.html Man given 40-year term for sex crimes involving teen boys Crime News tulsaworld.com May 12, 2011 The weeks prior to the shooting Weeks before the shooting, Williams allegedly attempted to speak with a school counselor but was instructed to return to class because the office was full at the time. He later reportedly complained to a school counselor multiple times about being bullied and told a school security guard he was going to bring a gun to campus, but evidence has not been found for either claim.Langman Peter Peter F. Langman December 28, 2015 Charles Andrew Williams: Sorting Out the Contradictions https://schoolshooters.info/sites/default/files/williams_contradictions_1.2.pdf live https://web.archive.org/web/20210708053125/https://schoolshooters.info/sites/default/files/williams_contradictions_1.2.pdf July 8, 2021 April 19, 2022 School Shooters Info 1–10 As the semester unfolded, friends came to believe that Williams had just reached a tipping point and mentioned he "didn't want to live anymore," which resulted in more name-calling and threats of bullying. The Friday before the shooting, Williams and classmates reported that his drama teacher humiliated him in front of the class during an acting exercise for which he was not prepared, which he perceived as an abusive setup.Dickey Fred May 10, 2013 Column: Killer recounts Santana High shooting The San Diego Union-Tribune https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/columnists/sdut-charles-andy-williams-santana-high-school-shooting-2013may10-htmlstory.html May 26, 2019 Williams spoke on two occasions of his plan to "pull a Columbine" at Santana High School, but no reports were ever made of these threats to the school. He also made plans to get on top of the school's roof so that he could hit people more easily. Many friends claimed that Williams brought up his plan repeatedly prior to the shooting but would claim to just be joking; at least two friends claimed to have been warned by Williams the day before the attack but they thought he was joking.March 7, 2001 Community Mourns Lives Lost In School Shooting KGTV http://www.thesandiegochannel.com/sand/news/stories/news-52723920010306-140327.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20010309185604/http://www.thesandiegochannel.com/sand/news/stories/news-52723920010306-140327.html March 9, 2001 The first occasion was a week before the shooting, the second during the weekend prior to March 5.Purdum Todd S. March 6, 2001 Shooting at School Leaves 2 Dead and 13 Hurt The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2001/03/06/us/shooting-at-school-leaves-2-dead-and-13-hurt.html August 12, 2020 He took his father's Arminius .22 caliber long-rifle double action revolver from the locked gun cabinet in their apartment.Portner Jessica How kids get guns http://www0.mercurycenter.com/local/education/docs/gun29.htm San Jose Mercury News April 29, 2001 https://web.archive.org/web/20010807205557/http://www0.mercurycenter.com/local/education/docs/gun29.htm August 7, 2001 dead After his arrest, he told investigators that he was "tired of being bullied". On the way to juvenile hall, Williams said that he did it because he was dared to by his friends.WARNING: Andy Williams here. Unhappy kid. Tired of being picked on https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,999474-1,00.html Terry McCarthy Time March 19, 2001 July 22, 2024 He also has stated at least three different anticipated outcomes of the shooting when speaking with authorities. Legal proceedings On June 20, 2002, Williams pleaded guilty to all charges against him in an effort to avoid trial.http://tech.mit.edu/V121/N10/shoot_.10w.html Ken Ellingwood Tony Perry Teen Stands Accused of Murder Charles Williams Arraigned for High School Shooting March 9, 2001 The Tech (MIT) June 21, 2009 June 3, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120603121557/http://tech.mit.edu/V121/N10/shoot_.10w.html dead On August 15, 2002, a California judge sentenced Williams, as an adult, to 50 years to life in prison, and ordered him to serve his time in the Youth Offender Program at CCI, Tehachapi (since closed) until his 18th birthday, at which time he would be transferred to an adult prison. Williams was given credit for the 529 days that he had served in juvenile hall, fined $10,000 and ordered to pay restitution to the Victims Restitution Fund. At his sentencing, Williams apologized and expressed remorse for his actions. On March 1, 2004, he was transferred to Calipatria State Prison where he spent much of the remainder 2000s in the 'sensitive needs' yard. Williams is currently incarcerated at California Institution for Men in Chino, California. He became eligible for parole in September 2024, when he was 38 years old.https://inmatelocator.cdcr.ca.gov/Details.aspx?ID=T43070 CDCR Public Inmate Locator DisclaimerDecember 2024 InternetArchiveBot yes PSA - Dear Sultans Community: We have been informed that Charles Williams is scheduled for a parole hearing in September. If you would like to submit a written statement for this hearing to have YOUR voice heard please contact me asap. We have to notify the Board of Parole of this no later than August 2024. I will be speaking during the parole hearing but would like as many of your voices to join in as well. Please take care of yourself during this time and send me a message if you would like anymore information regarding this very important matter. We need to inform the Board of your opinions we need to let them know that we are not okay with an early release. When: September 10, 2024 Deadline to respond:... - Sultans Forever Victims Impacted by March 5 2001 Santana High School https://www.facebook.com/SultansForever/posts/pfbid02gFyX1zkkYn8KMd6nVy3NzxmU8tdVBEBwMmNEvu4qLgfHN7RGhQaNSgXYdDQdpM8Ql 2025-01-16 www.facebook.com There was a grassroots effort to have Williams' sentence reduced. His supporters argue that the judge was too harsh in sentencing Williams as an adult and did not take into consideration Williams' age at the time of his offense. They would like to see Williams get a retrial, but as a juvenile, which would have meant confinement by the California Youth Authority until age 25. The California State Attorney General's office handled a total of six appeals filed by Williams supporters, four to the Court of Appeals and two to the California State Supreme Court. The district court denied his petition in September 2010 and the case is now on appeal to the 9th Circuit, according to the California Attorney General's Office.Perez Steve March 5, 2011 Where is the Santana Shooter Now? Santee, CA Patch http://patch.com/california/santee/where-is-the-santana-shooter-now June 25, 2016July 2021 This is user-generated, self-published content written by a neighbor, not a reliable source. In 2018, Williams petitioned California governor Jerry Brown for sentence commutation after a new law was signed prohibiting defendants under 16-years of age to be tried as adults. The San Diego District Attorney's office stated they adamantly opposed the petition along with victims and their family members.Pura Anthony 2018-12-18 Santana High School shooter petitions for early prison release https://www.10news.com/news/local-news/santana-high-school-shooter-petitions-for-early-prison-release 2022-03-01 KGTV en In 2024, on September 10, his first application for parole was denied.Figueroa Teri 2024-09-11 Santana High shooter, deemed 'risk to public safety,' denied parole https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2024/09/10/santana-high-shooter-deemed-risk-to-public-safety-denied-parole/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20240911012300/https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2024/09/10/santana-high-shooter-deemed-risk-to-public-safety-denied-parole/ 2024-09-11 2024-09-11 San Diego Union-Tribune en-US On January 6, 2026, a San Diego County Superior Court judge granted Williams' request to be re-sentenced. As a result, Williams' case was sent to juvenile court where, according to prosecutors, his convictions would be redesignated as juvenile "true findings", after which he would be released from prison and possibly put on juvenile probation.January 7, 2026 Judge letting high school gunman be resentenced, potentially freeing him after 23 years behind bars https://www.cbsnews.com/news/high-school-gunman-charles-williams-resentencing-potentially-freeing-him/?linkId=896090847 January 7, 2026 CBS News Williams' next parole hearing is scheduled for 2027.Black Abbie 2026-02-23 Santana High School shooter remains in prison as legal battle over resentencing continues https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/santana-high-school-shooter-remains-214240689.html 2026-09-14 Yahoo News en-US Reactions President George W. Bush offered his condolences "to the teachers and the children whose lives have been turned upside-down right now." Bush called the shooting "a disgraceful act of cowardice," adding, "When America teaches our children right from wrong and teaches values that respect life in our country, we'll be better off." But, he said, "First things are first. And our prayers go out to the families that lost a child today."http://edition.cnn.com/2001/US/03/05/school.shooting.07/ Suspect had talked about shooting at school March 5, 2001 CNN California Governor Gray Davis also said he was "shocked and deeply saddened" by the shooting. Davis' wife Sharon is a Santana High School graduate. The San Diego Padres wore an "SHS" memorial patch on their jersey sleeves during a spring training game on March 6, 2001.O'Neill Shaun Gomez feels good after first spring game https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121531097/gomez-feels-good-after-first-spring-game/ 24 March 2023 North County Times 7 March 2001 C-4 The nu metal band Linkin Park, of whom Williams was a fan, were seen as influencing Williams' actions. Following the shooting, the band released a statement saying, "Like everyone else, we are extremely saddened by these events and our hearts go out to the families and friends to the victims."https://www.nme.com/news/music/linkin-park-120-1388670 School Killings Carried Out by Linkin Park Fan March 9, 2001 May 26, 2019 NME Williams had written a note to his father prior to the shooting: "I tried so hard, and got so far, but in the end it doesn't really matter,” which was a quote taken from the chorus of the band's 2000 song "In the End." Legacy The shooting led to the development of regional active shooter response training called Immediate Action, Rapid Deployment (IARD), which has become routine for any law enforcement agency to enter a critical incident scene, and to find and stop the threat as soon as possible. A twentieth anniversary candlelight vigil was hosted on March 5, 2021, by the Santana High School classes of 2001–2004 to honor the victims and families of the victims of the shooting.2021-03-05 Candlelight vigil to be held for 20th anniversary of Santana High School shooting - https://www.kusi.com/candlelight-vigil-to-be-held-for-20th-anniversary-of-santana-high-school-shooting/ 2022-03-01 McKinnon Broadcasting en-US Depiction in media The shooting partly inspired the P.O.D. song "Youth of the Nation".Blatt, Mitchell P.O.D. Interview: Back Together, New Album in April https://web.archive.org/web/20080413035449/http://juicedsportsblog.com/2008/03/marcos-curiel-interview.html April 13, 2008 Juiced Sports (March 13, 2008). Retrieved on July 6, 2021. In an interview with "NOVA: Mind of a Rampage Killer", Williams said he had been suicidal for several months before the shooting. He described his 15-year-old life as tumultuous, recounting the pain of his parents' recent divorce, his move across the country from Maryland to California, and the death of a friend. His description of his mental state was "numb," adding that he didn't realize people would die, but he wanted to "make a lot of noise and then the cops would show up." He admitted that his real plan was to commit suicide by cop, however he "changed his mind at the last minute, dropped his revolver and surrendered."https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/the-mind-of-a-rampage-killer Looking within the mind of a rampage killer Miles O'Brien May 31, 2014 PBSO'Brien Miles Mind of a Rampage Killer https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/video/mind-of-a-rampage-killer/ https://web.archive.org/web/20130125051543/http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/body/mind-rampage-killer.html January 25, 2013 June 25, 2016 NOVA PBS live February 20, 2013 See also California Biography List of school shootings in the United States by death toll List of homicides in California References External links Andy Speaks Santana High School shooting Andy Williams. Unhappy kid. Tired of being picked on Time Terrorist without a cause HuffPost 32.8574 -116.9692 type:event_region:US-CA title Category:Mass shootings involving revolvers Category:2001 in California Category:2001 mass shootings in the United States Category:2001 murders in the United States Category:Attacks on schools in 2001 Category:Columbine High School massacre copycat crimes Category:High school killings in the United States Category:High school shootings in the United States Category:March 2001 crimes in the United States Category:Mass shootings in California Category:2000s crimes in California Category:Presidency of George W. Bush Category:Santee, California Category:School shootings in California Category:School shootings motivated by bullying Category:Mass shootings in schools