On Wed. Jan. 3rd, 17-year-old Samnang Kok was shot in the 300 hallway of Henry Foss High School. Suspected shooter 18-year-old Douglas Chanthabouly was arrested about two hours later after fleeing the school. Police found Chanthabouly couple blocks away armed with a 9mm handgun.

“It did not scare me as much as people would think,” said junior Stephanie Byers. “It was an intentional shooting as opposed to a random shooting so it did not scare me.”

Detectives determined that the shooting was not random or gang-related. Police suspected that a prior argument was the cause of the shooting. According to documents Chanthabouly approached Kok in the hallway and said “What’s up” before shooting the victim in the face six to 12 inches away. Witnesses said that after Kok hit the ground Chanthabouly shot the victim twice more. Documents also stated that Chanthabouly waved the gun at witnesses and then fled the scene.

“It should remind us about how fragile life is, and how fast it can be taken away,” said Librarian Ella Kostick.

On January 4th, Chanthabouly was charged with first-degree murder. He pled not guilty, and bail was set at 1 million dollars. Despite the tragic event that took place the day before, classes began promptly at 10 a.m. the next morning. Police were on guard at the school while classes were being held and grief counselors were available for students.

“It was bound to happen,” said junior Jesika Buckley. “We hear about different schools all the time, and shows are always focused on it.”

Kok was the father of an 18-month-old boy and hoped to become a soldier after graduating.