Crime & Safety

Accused Santa Fe Shooter Indicted On Capital Murder Charge

Dimitrios Pagourtzis, 17, is accused of gunning down 23 classmates and teachers at Santa Fe High School on May 18.

GALVESTON, TX – The teen-aged student accused of gunning down 23 classmates and teachers in May has been indicted on capital murder charges by a Galveston County grand jury. Due to his age, 17-year-old Dimitrios Pagourtzis avoids the possibility of the death penalty if convicted, but still could face life in prison.

Pagourtzis also has been indicted on aggravated assault of a peace officer.

Pagourtzis is accused of carrying a sawed-off shotgun and .38 caliber handgun in Santa Fe High School on May 18. He walked to an art class and open fired on students and teachers.

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Pagourtzis told police that he targeted students he didn’t like, and planted explosives inside the school.
Witnesses told police that Pagourtzis was laughing and talking to himself as he fired at students and teachers inside the classroom.

He was arrested the day of the shooting after SWAT officers confronted him inside the school. Since his arrest, Pagourtzis has been held the Galveston County Jail without bail, and is being evaluated to determine if he is competent to stand trial.

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A court date has not been set.

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Image: GCSO

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