DENVER – A Colorado teen who heroically stopped a school shooter by sacrificing his own life is now in consideration for sainthood, according to parishioners who say this honor underscores his bravery and deep faith.
Kendrick Castillo, 18, died on May 7, 2019, when he confronted the gunman during a shooting at STEM School Highlands Ranch, just days before the school’s graduation ceremony. His courageous action allowed classmates to overpower the attackers, preventing a more catastrophic event.
“It’s hard to emphasize enough the bravery Kendrick Castillo demonstrated,” said George Brauchler, the prosecutor of the case, to Fox News Digital. “If you looked at classroom 107 that day and asked who would prevent a mass murder, he might not be your obvious choice. People might have underestimated him, but he proved to be that hero.”
The attack took place during a British literature class watching “The Princess Bride” as a year-end incentive. The shooters were Devon Erickson, then 18, and his accomplice Alec McKinney, then 16.
Sydney Monteith, left, and her mother Jennifer place the poster of Kendrick Castillo outside the STEM School Highlands Ranch. (Photo by Hyoung Chang/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
The Diocese of Colorado Springs, which is responsible for the location where the unfortunate incident occurred, has formally accepted a petition to begin Kendrick’s canonization process, as reported by the National Catholic Register.
Although Kendrick had deep ties to the Archdiocese of Denver, Church law designates the diocese where a person died to initiate the canonization cause. Since his death occurred in Highlands Ranch, the responsibility falls to the Colorado Springs Diocese.
Father Patrick DiLoreto of St. Mark Parish in Highlands Ranch said Castillo’s sacrifice may qualify under Pope Francis’ “Offering of Life” category — recognizing those who give their lives for love of God and neighbor, even outside of traditional martyrdom definitions.
Maria and John Castillo, parents of Kendrick Castillo, stand in front of the large mural of their son painted on a brick wall at 21st and Lawrence streets that was unveiled on Oct. 4, 2020, in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
“He [Castillo] courageously threw himself at one of the school shooters without hesitation, allowing other students to follow and subdue the gunman,” DiLoreto explained. “This saved the lives of his fellow classmates when, in any other circumstance, there would surely have been more deaths on that day.”
Castillo’s devotion was well known in his parish. He carried a rosary daily, one of which was found on him after his death and later gifted to a classmate, the Register reported. He volunteered regularly, attended funerals of strangers to pray for them, and openly spoke of wanting to be a witness of faith.
Bishop James Golka of Colorado Springs praised those who gathered testimony about Kendrick’s life. “It seems clear that Kendrick was an exceptional young man,” he said.
As America continues to face tragic acts of school violence, parishioners and leaders alike see Castillo’s example as a source of strength.
“As the country faces more and more persecution of Christians, especially in these horrific school shootings, such as the one last week in Minnesota, we can look at the heroic examples such as Kendrick and the children who protected others for inspiration,” Father DiLoreto finished.
Stepheny Price covers crime including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Story tips: stepheny.price@fox.com.
