'Could happen to any of us': Students mourn Desiree Rivas, 17 who was fatally shot after leaving party in West Valley

2023-05-18 10:18

Desiree Rivas was outside a home near 91st Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road when she was shot and killed

PHOENIX, ARIZONA: Cesar Chavez High School students and an entire School District are mourning the tragic death of a junior fatally shot over the weekend, after leaving a party in West Valley. Phoenix police identified the victim as 17-year-old Desiree Rivas.

Rivas was outside a home near 91st Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road when she was shot and killed. While leaving the school campus on Monday, May 15, students stopped to share their thoughts on the unfortunate incident.

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'They were just saying RIP'

"Sunday morning, I woke up and it was just all over social media. I didn't really know what happened, they were just saying RIP," a student said, according to 12news. Students spoke about how they came to know about Rivas' death. They said it is unfortunate that a young woman with such a bright future was killed in an instant. "I was just shocked. It's just sad like it could happen to any of us, you can't even have a party anymore without guns getting involved", another student said.

The victim's name was disclosed by the authorities earlier on Monday. They said that Rivas was killed just after midnight. The first responders arrived at the scene only to pronounce her dead.

Phoenix Union High School District issues a statement

"I can confirm that she was one of our students and a member of the cheer squad. As you can imagine, it is a devastating day for many at Chavez HS," the district said in a statement. "We shared this news with our students and staff. We provided additional support on campus for those in need and will work with her family as much as possible to help in any way we can."

While students offer their sympathies, they remain skeptical about attending any gatherings in the future. "I just send my condolences to everyone who was affected by her death. I'll just definitely watch out who I'm around, I'll be more aware on where I go and who I’m with", a student said.

The case is still under investigation and the criminal(s) associated with the crime are still at large.

Anyone with information can contact the Phoenix Police Department, or Silent Witness (480-WITNESS or 480-TESTIGO for Spanish).