Alleged Shooter Attended Wilson High Until 2008 • Long Beach Post News

After the Press-Telegram reported last night that 16-year old Tom Vinson was the alleged gunman in last Friday night’s shooting that killed a Wilson High student and injured two adult males, the lbpost.com has learned that Vinson previously attended Wilson High School.

The photo at right was sent to the lbpost.com from the parent of a student at Wilson High School. It is from the 2008 Wilson High School yearbook.

The other suspect in custody is 16-year old Daivion Davis, reports Tracy Manzer of the Press-Telegram. The lbpost.com has learned that Davis was a current eleventh-grader at Lakewood High School.

Vinson left Wilson High as a tenth grader in December of 2008, although district records do not show why.

“We don’t show any disciplinary reason for him leaving,” said LBUSD spokesperson Chris Eftychiou this morning.

Records show that Vinson entered the LBUSD as an 8th grader at Marshall Middle School and attended Wilson until leaving in 2008 (Correction: Vinson began with the LBUSD in Kindergarten at Burbank Elementary, then attending Marshall Middle School, and finally Wilson High).

Vinson and another 16-year old male were arrested yesterday afternoon in connection with the shooting. The LBPD has refused to release names of the suspects because they are minors, but the Press-Telegram‘s Tracy Manzer reported Vinson’s name last night.

Vinson reportedly lives in Bellflower and the other 16-year old suspect lives in Long Beach.

Police said the two suspects are known gang members, and that the shooting occurred when two rival street gangs began fighting outside Wilson High following a football game on campus. Between 400 and 500 people were crowded near the stadium exit when the shooting occurred. Police believe the two adult males who were injured were the intended targets.

Wilson High student Melody Ross died on the scene from a gunshot to the torso. Authorities have repeatedly stated that Ross was an innocent bystander.

Detectives will present the case against the two suspects to the District Attorney today, according to police. Lieutenant Lloyd Cox stated that the shooter will certainly face one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder.

We will provides updated information as it becomes available.

UPDATES (2:00pm): The Press-Telegram‘s Kevin Butler has reported that Vinson attended Mayfair High School at least until May of this year.

UPDATE (4:00pm): The Press-Telegram‘s Tracy Manzer has reported that the other suspect arrested is 16-year old Daivion Davis of Long Beach. The lbpost.com has learned that Davis was a current eleventh-grade student at Lakewood High School.

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