The small, tight-knit community of Palermo, California, is grappling with heartbreak and disbelief following a tragic shooting at the Feather River Adventist School on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. The Butte County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) has identified the shooter as 56-year-old Glenn Litton, who opened fire on the private school campus, injuring two young boys, both kindergarteners. Authorities confirmed that Litton was later found dead on the school grounds from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The victims, six-year-old Roman Mendez and five-year-old Elias Wolford, remain hospitalized in critical but stable condition as their families, the community, and the nation hold their breath and pray for their recovery.
The incident unfolded during school hours at the Feather River Adventist School, a small institution with fewer than three dozen students enrolled. According to law enforcement and eyewitness accounts, Litton entered the school premises carrying a firearm and immediately began targeting students before staff members could intervene. Sheriff Kory Honea described the attack as “senseless and devastating,” emphasizing the vulnerability of the victims and the traumatic aftermath for everyone involved. In a press briefing Thursday afternoon, Honea provided an update on the victims, shedding light on the severity of their injuries and the remarkable efforts of first responders and medical personnel to save their lives.
Roman Mendez, the six-year-old victim, sustained two gunshot wounds, one of which caused significant internal damage. He underwent emergency surgery at a regional hospital and remains under close observation in the intensive care unit. Meanwhile, five-year-old Elias Wolford was struck once in the abdomen, also suffering severe internal injuries that required immediate surgical intervention. “These children have a long road to recovery,” Honea said, his voice heavy with emotion. “Their survival is nothing short of a miracle, and we must rally around them and their families during this incredibly difficult time.”
Investigators are working to determine Litton’s motive for the attack, but early findings indicate a deeply troubled individual with a history of mental health struggles and an extensive criminal record. Litton, who was described as homeless and transient, reportedly moved between the Chico and Sacramento areas and had no known ties to the school or its students. Sheriff Honea confirmed that Litton had previously been arrested for a range of offenses, including drug possession, theft, and assault, and that he had a documented history of erratic behavior. Despite this, there were no immediate warning signs suggesting he posed a threat to the Feather River Adventist School.
The tragic event has left the community of Palermo in shock. Feather River Adventist School, a private Christian institution affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, is known for its small class sizes and close-knit environment. Many families in the area send their children to the school for its focus on faith-based education and personal attention. Wednesday’s attack shattered the sense of safety that parents and staff had long cherished. As news of the shooting spread, frantic parents rushed to the campus, desperate for information about their children. Law enforcement quickly secured the scene, evacuating students to a nearby church where they were reunited with their families.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and heartbreaking. “It was terrifying,” said one parent who wished to remain anonymous. “We got a call that there was a shooting, and I just dropped everything and ran to the school. I can’t even put into words the relief I felt when I saw my child, but my heart breaks for the families of the injured boys. No parent should ever have to go through this.” Teachers and staff, many of whom were hailed as heroes for their quick thinking and efforts to protect students, are now grappling with the emotional toll of the event. Counselors have been brought in to provide support to students, staff, and families as they process the trauma.
While the immediate focus remains on the recovery of the young victims, the shooting has also sparked questions about campus security and the broader issues surrounding mental health and gun violence. Feather River Adventist School, like many small private schools, did not have a dedicated security presence or advanced protective measures in place. The school’s leadership has pledged to review its safety protocols and work with local authorities to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again. In the meantime, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has organized prayer vigils and support groups for those affected by the shooting.
The broader implications of this tragedy extend beyond Palermo, as the nation once again grapples with the reality of gun violence in schools. Advocacy groups have renewed calls for stricter gun control measures, particularly in cases involving individuals with documented histories of mental illness. Experts in the field of mental health have emphasized the importance of early intervention and support for individuals like Glenn Litton, whose struggles went unaddressed until they culminated in a devastating act of violence.
“This is a multifaceted issue,” said Dr. Elena Rodriguez, a psychologist specializing in trauma and violence prevention. “On one hand, we need to ensure that schools have the resources and training necessary to respond to emergencies. On the other hand, we must address the root causes of these tragedies by providing better access to mental health care and implementing measures to prevent individuals who pose a risk from obtaining firearms.”
In the wake of the shooting, the community has rallied around the families of Roman and Elias, offering prayers, donations, and messages of support. Local businesses and organizations have launched fundraising efforts to help cover the medical expenses of the young boys, while neighbors have organized meal trains and childcare assistance for their families. “The outpouring of love and support has been incredible,” said Pastor Michael Carter of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Palermo. “It’s a testament to the strength of our community and our faith in the face of adversity. We are holding onto hope and trusting in God’s plan for these children.”
Sheriff Honea concluded his press briefing by urging the public to focus on supporting the victims and their families rather than speculating about the shooter’s motives or the details of the investigation. “This is a time for compassion and unity,” he said. “Let’s keep our thoughts and prayers with Roman, Elias, and their loved ones as they navigate the long road ahead. And let’s work together to ensure that no community has to endure this kind of pain again.”
As the investigation into the shooting continues, the Feather River Adventist School community remains united in its resolve to heal and rebuild. Plans are underway to honor the bravery of the students, staff, and first responders who acted swiftly to prevent an even greater tragedy. Vigils and memorials are being organized to provide a space for collective mourning and reflection. And while the scars of this event will take time to heal, the resilience of the Palermo community shines through as a beacon of hope in the face of unimaginable sorrow.
For now, the focus remains on Roman Mendez and Elias Wolford—two young boys whose lives were forever changed by a senseless act of violence. Their families, buoyed by the support of their community, remain steadfast in their faith and hope for a full recovery. As they sit by their children’s hospital beds, they are reminded that they are not alone in their journey. The prayers of a grieving yet determined community are with them, lighting the way forward in the darkest of times.
