I’m connected to Los Cerritos Middle School as a retired teacher and now as a frequent volunteer.

I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing Jason, a seventh-grader, but my heart is very sad. It’s sad for the friends of Jason and his sister, Jennifer.

Those young friends were yanked from their carefree childhood innocence and slammed into a dark area of the adult world.

It’s sad for the madness and desperation that crescendoed and culminated in that horrific act of violence.

It’s sad for Julie, the mother, whose whole world has been suddenly and brutally wiped away.

It’s sad for our community as we gather together with solemn thoughts and prayers of healing and comfort for the extended family members.

I didn’t know Jason, but my heart is very sad. Sherrill Hyink Thousand Oaks