A 19-year-old’s plan to carry out a school shooting after killing three members of his family has left a community in shock.
Nicholas Prosper shot dead his mother, Juliana Falcon, 48, his brother Kyle, 16, and 13-year-old sister Giselle at their home in Luton in September.
The teenager had planned to attack his former primary school, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, and a loaded shotgun with over 30 cartridges was found in a bush after his arrest.
A “Truly Appalling” Case
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the case as “truly appalling, devastating” on BBC Breakfast.
The Labour leader of Luton Council, Hazel Simmons, said the news was “extremely shocking, distressing and upsetting” and that the council “does not underestimate the emotional difficulty this news will have on children, staff, parents and carers across our school community”.
Prosper pleaded guilty to three counts of murder and is due to be sentenced on March 5.
A Growing Concern of Violence Among Teenagers
The case has raised concerns about the growing obsession with violence among some teenagers. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said that action needs to be taken to address this issue.
The government is publishing legislation about Youth Diversion Orders, which aim to take action early where young people seem to be being radicalized or engaged in terrorism.
An inquiry into the Southport knife attacks will also look into the issues surrounding violence among teenagers.
School’s Response to the Incident
The headteacher of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Maureen Murphy, said the school is “devastated to learn of the tragic death of our former students Kyle and Giselle and their mother Julianna”.
The school has robust systems in place to keep children safe, including clear procedures for lockdown and safety processes. The school has also put in place support for any parent or pupil who needs it.
A Community in Shock
The incident has left the community in shock, with many paying tribute to the victims. Flowers and cards were left at the entrance to the Leabank block of flats where the family lived.
The council has asked schools to conduct a security review following the incident, and all schools will be asked to conduct a further review. The community is coming together to support those affected by the tragedy.
The Incident Unfolded
The incident unfolded on September 13, when officers were called to the family flat in Leabank after a concerned neighbour reported a disturbance.
The victims were found dead from gunshot wounds to the head. Prosper was arrested shortly after, and the firearm was found in the bushes during a search of the surrounding area.
The case is a tragic reminder of the importance of addressing the growing concern of violence among teenagers and the need for robust systems to keep children safe.