Shot Teen Was Killed On His 2nd Day At Richfield School

RICHFIELD, MN — A 15-year-old student was shot and killed outside of the South Education Center in Richfield on Tuesday, his second day attending the school.

The Star Tribune identified Jahmari Rice, a sophomore, as one of the three victims in the shooting. A second victim — who is also a student — survived the shooting but was in critical condition at the Hennepin County Medical Center. The third victim was also shot but was treated and released at the scene with minor injuries.

Rice had just started at the school, the Star Tribune reported.

Hours after his death, friends, family, and classmates held a candlelight vigil for Rice at the site of the shooting.

The shooting occurred just after noon Tuesday on a sidewalk outside the front entrance of the South Education Center, located on Penn Avenue South.

Special agents from the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives responded to the scene along with local police. The students were taken by ambulance to HCMC, where Rice died from his injuries.

A manhunt was immediately launched for a suspect, who police said fled the scene. Two people were arrested Tuesday night after officers searched two locations in Minneapolis, the Richfield Police Department said. The department said officers recovered a handgun.

Authorities have not yet identified the suspects. Police planned to release more information Wednesday.

South Education Center is a part of Intermediate District 287, which serves students throughout the west Twin Cities metro who have special needs. Rice transferred to South Education Center from Richfield High School this winter.

"When he had things going, he was very intense, a very positive kid," Richfield High School football coach Kris Pulford told the Star Tribune. "He stood up for his buddies, and he loved the game of football."

Rice transferred to South Education Center "just so he could find a place where he can be successful. Jahmari had heart. He was a good kid," Pulford told the newspaper.

Reporting from the Associated Press was used in this story.