Sheriff: Marysville school shooter lured classmates to lunch table where he opened fire

EVERETT -- The 14-year-old student who shot classmates at a Marysville-Pilchuck High School lured his "friends" to sit with him during lunch, where he opened fire, Snohomish County Sheriff Ty Trenary said Monday.

In addition, law enforcement sources said the shooter, freshman Jaylen Fryberg, 14, sent a message to his parents moments before the shooting, telling them what he wanted done with this body. He also texted a photo of himself with a gun to his ex-girlfriend before the shooting, the sources said.

At a news conference, Trenary told reporters that a witness told detectives that Fryberg, before the shooting, sent text messages to his friends and arranged to meet them at the lunchroom table. The five victims were seated at the table when the shooter opened fire, hitting each before turning the gun on himself.

Two students, 14-year-old Gia Soriano and 14-year-old Zoe Galasso, as well as Fryberg, died from gunshot wounds.

Three other victims are still in the hospital. Andrew Fryberg, 15, is in critical condition at Harborview Medical Center and remains in intensive care. Nate Hatch, 14, is in satisfactory condition at Harborview. Shaylee Chuckulnaskit, 14, is at Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett in critical condition with a head wound.



Officials also confirmed Monday that the gun used in the shooting was a .40-caliber Beretta legally purchased and registered by a family member. It is not yet known how Fryberg got the gun, Trenary said.

Trenary recognizes that students, the community and the media will continue to ask "why" Fryberg opened fire on his friends and classmates. But Trenary said the "why" could take some time to establish, if it can ever be established at all.

Now is the time to focus on healing, he said.

"I don't know that 'why' is something we can provide," Trenary said. "Sometimes the why is elusive, and it's more important to focus on the pain and anguish that these families are feeling."

Trenary also said first-year teacher Megan Silberberger, described as confronting Fryberg and perhaps stopping more bloodshed, did not physically touch the student. Still, he said Silberberger acted quickly and bravely.

MORE: 3 dead, 3 remain in hospital>>> 

Marysville-Pilchuck survivor to school shooter, 'I love you and forgive you' >>

News of Soriano's death Sunday hit an already-stricken community.

“We are devastated by this senseless tragedy,” Soriano’s parents said. “Gia is our beautiful daughter and words cannot express how much we will miss her. We’ve made the decision to donate Gia’s organs so that others may benefit. Our daughter was loving, kind and this honors her life.”

Classes at Marysville-Pilchuck High School are canceled through at least this week. Marysville police announced Sunday they plan to boost their presence in all other area schools.

An officer will be assigned to individual secondary schools, as well as random, drop-in visits at elementary schools. They plan an increased presence throughout the week, Marysville police said.

Various vigils are planned throughout the week. Stay tuned with Q13 FOX News for the latest on upcoming vigils and news surrounding the Marysville school shooting.