After Deadly Shooting, Richfield School Will Reinstall Metal Detectors

RICHFIELD, MN — The South Education Center in Richfield will reinstall metal detectors after a 15-year-old student was shot and killed outside the school in February.

Sandy Lewandowski, the superintendent for Intermediate School District 287, announced the change Monday.

"It has been a tragic year for our District community related to school safety," Lewandowski said.

"As a trauma-informed school district, we know that when people fear for their physical or emotional safety, it compromises all other aspects of our work, in particular our responsibility to educate and serve the mental health needs of students."

The district removed metal detectors and school resource officers in 2016, the Star Tribune reported, after concerns about criminalizing student behavior.

Feb. 1 shooting

Jahmari Rice, 15, was shot and killed after a fight escalated on Feb. 1.

Alfredo R. Solis, 19, and Fernando Valdez-Alvarez, 18, each face three counts of second-degree murder, with intent in the shooting.

A fight between three victims and Solis and Valdez-Alvarez broke out in the parking lot around 12 p.m. on Feb. 1, according to authorities.

"Victim 2" punched Solis once before Valdez-Alvarez started shooting at all three victims, the criminal complaint states. The three victims fled toward the school building, police said.

Meanwhile, Solis and Valdez-Alvarez fled to their cars and left, according to authorities.

A witness told police she heard three gunshots and — about 20 seconds later — heard a vehicle pull off and then two more shots.

Several search warrants were executed and police arrested Solis and Valdez-Alvarez.

According to the criminal complaint, police found a Nintendo Switch case with two magazines for a handgun in Solis' home, as well as a Glock 45 handgun.