New Mexico school shooting - family members and local reports have identified Mason Campbell as the 12-year-old gunman who officials say sneaked a shotgun into Berrendo Middle School in Roswell, New Mexico on Tuesday morning.
Campbell reportedly chose his victims randomly when he opened fire using his sawed-off shotgun inside a crowded New Mexico school gymnasium, police reported Wednesday.
New information released by New Mexico state police revealed their belief that the shooting at Berrendo Middle School was planned beforehand by the 12-year-old gunman, identified by the district attorney's office as Mason Campbell.
According to District Attorney Janetta Hicks, the attack which left an unidentified 12-year-old boy with critical damage, faces Campbell with three third-degree felony charges of aggravated battery. The charges could put the 12-year-old under the custody of the Children, Youth and Families Department until he turns 21.
According to Police Chief Pete Kassetas, the weapon Campbell used was a sawed-off, 20 gauge pump shotgun that contained three rounds of ammunition.
"The gun came from the residence of the suspect," the police chief added.
All three rounds of ammunition were fired inside the middle school's gymnasium - one at the floor, another at the ceiling and a "third round was aimed into the stands at the students," Kassetas explained.
"I believe when the incident occurred it was random. The victims were random," the official added.
According to a hospital spokesman, one of the victims, a 12-year-old boy, remained in critical condition Wednesday following two surgeries for his facial and neck injuries by Tuesday evening.
The condition of 13-year-old Kendal Sanders was pronounced satisfactory a few hours following treatment for the injuries to her right shoulder, confirmed Gov. Susana Martinez at the afternoon press conference.
The two student victims were shot from about 12 to 15 feet away, reported Kassetas.
Mason Campbell dropped his weapon after he was approached by one of the school teachers, John Masterson, who persuaded the student to give up his gun.
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