by Denver, CO – A courageous Colorado teenager, Kendrick Castillo, who gave his life to stop a school shooter and save his classmates during a 2019 attack, is now being considered for sainthood by the Catholic Church. This extraordinary move honors his heroic sacrifice and deep faith.
At just 18 years old, Kendrick selflessly charged one of two gunmen who opened fire at STEM School Highlands Ranch, an act that prevented a potential mass tragedy just days before his graduation. His bravery allows a lasting legacy of faith and heroism that may soon be formally recognized by the Church.
An Act of Heroism That Saved Lives
On May 7, 2019, the shooting erupted inside a British literature classroom as students were watching “The Princess Bride” as an end-of-year reward. Two assailants, Devon Erickson and Alec McKinney, opened fire, putting lives at risk.
Kendrick Castillo, alongside fellow students Joshua Jones and Brendan Bialy, rushed at Erickson. Despite being fatally shot during the struggle, Kendrick’s quick action caused Erickson’s weapon to jam, allowing classmates to subdue the attackers.
- Kendrick was the only student killed; eight others were wounded.
- The attack was stopped before it could escalate into a larger tragedy.
- Kendrick’s sacrifice has been honored by renaming a street near the school to Kendrick Castillo Way.
“You cannot overstate the heroism of Kendrick Castillo,” said George Brauchler, prosecutor of the case. “On that particular day… people would have written him off as not that guy, but he turns out to be that guy.”
From Tragedy to the Path of Canonization
The Diocese of Colorado Springs has formally received a petition to begin the process of canonization—the formal recognition of sainthood—for Kendrick Castillo. Although Kendrick had strong ties to the Archdiocese of Denver, Church rules dictate that the cause for sainthood is initiated where the individual died, placing responsibility with the Colorado Springs Diocese.
Father Patrick DiLoreto of St. Mark Parish emphasized that Kendrick’s selfless sacrifice might qualify as an “Offering of Life” under Pope Francis’ guidelines. This category recognizes those who give their lives out of love for God and neighbor, even if they are not traditional martyrs.
“He courageously threw himself at one of the school shooters without hesitation, allowing other students to follow and subdue the gunman,” Father DiLoreto said. “This saved the lives of his fellow classmates when, in any other circumstance, there would surely have been more deaths on that day.”
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Kendrick’s Deep Faith and Community Impact
Kendrick was deeply devoted to his Catholic faith. Parishioners describe him as a faithful young man who:
- Carried a rosary daily; one was found on him at the time of his death and later given to a classmate.
- Volunteered regularly in his community and attended funerals of strangers to pray for them.
- Expressed a desire to be a witness of faith to others.
Bishop James Golka of Colorado Springs praised those gathering testimony on Kendrick’s life, stating, “It seems clear that Kendrick was an exceptional young man.”
As school shootings continue to plague communities across the United States, Kendrick’s example serves as a beacon of hope and strength.
“As the country faces more and more persecution of Christians, especially in these horrific school shootings, such as the one last week in Minnesota, we can look at the heroic examples such as Kendrick and the children who protected others for inspiration,” Father DiLoreto concluded.
Justice and Reflections from the Community
The perpetrators, Devon Erickson and Alec McKinney, were brought to justice. Erickson was convicted on 46 counts including first-degree murder and faces life imprisonment without parole. McKinney pleaded guilty and may be eligible for parole in about 20 years.
Kendrick’s father, John Castillo, shared his feelings about the trial verdict, reflecting on his son’s lasting presence guiding the jury toward justice.
“I’m sure he was looking down today. This day was justice for him,” John said.
Former student and shooting survivor Mitchell Kraus also expressed relief now knowing Erickson will never be released.
- Mitchell was wounded in the shooting but recalls no warning signs prior to the event.
- He feels closure after learning of the perpetrators’ sentences.
For more details on Kendrick Castillo’s heroic story and the ongoing developments in his cause for sainthood, visit the original report at Fox News.
What Do You Think?
What do you think about Kendrick Castillo’s potential sainthood and his extraordinary sacrifice? Have you ever visited STEM School Highlands Ranch or known someone who acted heroically? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
