In a small Kansas community, what began as a lighthearted high school prank tragically escalated into a life-altering event for a young man. A game known as “senior assassin,” which typically involves students targeting each other with harmless water or gel-bead guns, ended in a real shooting that left 18-year-old Anakin Zehring paralyzed from the waist down. This incident has sparked significant concern and debate over the potential dangers of such seemingly innocent games.
The Incident
The events unfolded on the evening of May 11, when Sedgwick Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to a shooting outside a Goddard Walmart around 5 p.m. Upon arrival, deputies found Zehring in critical condition, suffering from a gunshot wound to his back. The bullet had traversed his body, inflicting severe damage to his liver, kidney, and spinal cord. The gravity of his injuries left him paralyzed, a devastating outcome for a young man on the cusp of adulthood.
Zehring’s parents, overwhelmed by the sudden and violent turn of events, set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds for his medical expenses. On the page, they shared their heart-wrenching story: “On May 11th, our lives changed forever when my son was involved in the tragic incident at the Goddard Walmart shooting. He sustained severe injuries, including a bullet wound that punctured his duodenum (upper part of the small intestine) and damaged his spinal cord, causing loss of sensation from the waist down. Despite undergoing four surgeries and intense medical care, his recovery journey is just beginning, and we need your help.”
The incident that led to this tragic outcome involved a game of “senior assassin,” a popular but controversial activity among high school seniors. The game typically involves students “assassinating” each other with water or gel-bead guns, recording the playful attacks, and posting them on social media. However, the playful nature of the game can sometimes blur the lines between harmless fun and dangerous behavior.
The Events Leading Up to the Shooting
On the fateful day, Zehring, along with two friends aged 16 and 17, decided to target another group of students as part of their “senior assassin” game. According to police reports, they were outside the Goddard Walmart when they encountered a 17-year-old girl, identified as S.C., and her boyfriend, G.B. The confrontation quickly escalated when Zehring and his friends allegedly fired gel beads at the couple.
Witness accounts differ on who actually fired the gel gun. Zehring claimed it was his friend who pulled the trigger, while his friend insisted that it was Zehring. Regardless, the playful attack was enough to alarm S.C., who promptly called her father, Ruben Marcus Contreras, to report the incident.
Contreras’ Reaction
Contreras’ reaction was swift and severe. He drove to the Walmart, armed with a handgun. Upon locating Zehring and his friends in their car, a Chevrolet Spark, he allegedly took out his gun and fired into the vehicle. The bullet struck Zehring, causing catastrophic injuries. Contreras has since been charged with first-degree attempted murder but has been released from the Sedgwick County Jail on bond. Attempts to reach his attorney for comment have been unsuccessful.
Eyewitnesses provided chilling details of the moments leading up to and following the shooting. A Walmart employee reported hearing the teenagers in the car shout, “I’m your senior assassin,” before firing the gel blaster. The same phrase was heard by S.C., further fueling the tension of the situation.
As the teenagers tried to enter the Walmart shortly after targeting S.C. and G.B., a manager intervened and escorted them outside. This led to a confrontation between the two groups. G.B., enraged by the prank, approached the teenagers, which led to an exchange of insults. One of the teenagers allegedly called G.B. a derogatory name and challenged him to a confrontation behind the Walmart.
The Confrontation and Shooting
G.B. and S.C. waited for Contreras in their vehicle at the pickup area for online orders. When Contreras arrived, his daughter and her boyfriend pointed out the three teenagers who had “attacked” them. A witness saw Contreras approach the Chevrolet Spark and try to open the car’s door handle to prevent the teenagers from fleeing. As the vehicle moved forward, a gunshot rang out. The car then sped away at high speed, crashing into a metal shipping container.
The witness approached Contreras and asked what had happened. Contreras reportedly responded, “They shot my daughter,” multiple times. The witness then went to the victim’s vehicle and found Zehring suffering from a gunshot wound. Zehring told the witness he could not feel his legs, a statement that underscored the severity of his injuries.
The Aftermath
The shooting has left the community in shock and has sparked a broader conversation about the risks associated with such pranks. While “senior assassin” is intended to be a harmless game, the incident highlights how quickly things can spiral out of control.
Zehring’s parents have been vocal about their son’s condition and the long road to recovery that lies ahead. The GoFundMe page they created has garnered significant attention and support, but the emotional and physical toll on the family is immeasurable. “Despite undergoing four surgeries and intense medical care, his recovery journey is just beginning, and we need your help,” they wrote. The page details the extensive medical procedures Zehring has already undergone and the uncertain future he faces.
Community and Legal Reactions
The incident has prompted widespread discussions about the responsibilities of parents, the behavior of teenagers, and the potential consequences of seemingly innocent games. Many community members have expressed their support for Zehring and his family, while others have called for stricter regulations on such pranks to prevent future tragedies.
Legally, Contreras faces serious charges. His decision to take matters into his own hands and use lethal force has been widely condemned. The charge of first-degree attempted murder carries significant penalties, and the legal proceedings will undoubtedly be closely watched by the community and beyond.
Law enforcement officials have also weighed in on the matter, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between harmless pranks and actions that can lead to serious harm. The Sedgwick Sheriff’s Office has reiterated the need for students to understand the potential consequences of their actions and for parents to educate their children about the boundaries of safe behavior.
The Broader Implications
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a situation can escalate from playful to deadly. It also highlights the broader issues related to gun violence and the need for responsible gun ownership. Contreras’ decision to bring a gun to what he perceived as a confrontation illustrates the dangers of taking the law into one’s own hands and the potential for tragic outcomes.
Moreover, the incident underscores the importance of conflict resolution and communication. In an age where social media and online interactions often amplify conflicts, the need for effective communication and de-escalation strategies is more crucial than ever. Schools, parents, and community leaders must work together to teach young people how to handle disputes without resorting to violence.
Moving Forward
As Zehring begins his long road to recovery, the community must grapple with the fallout of this tragic event. The support from friends, family, and strangers has been heartening, but the journey ahead is fraught with challenges. Zehring’s story is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the profound impact of our actions on others.
The incident also serves as a call to action for communities everywhere to address the underlying issues that contribute to such tragedies. This includes promoting safe and responsible behavior, fostering open lines of communication, and ensuring that conflicts are resolved in a manner that prioritizes safety and understanding.
In the aftermath of this tragic event, the hope is that lessons will be learned, and steps will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. Zehring’s life has been irrevocably changed, but his story has the potential to inspire positive change and a renewed commitment to safety and community well-being.
The Kansas high school prank that ended in tragedy is a sobering reminder of the potential consequences of seemingly harmless actions. Anakin Zehring’s life has been forever altered by a split-second decision, and his story has touched the hearts of many. As the community rallies around him and his family, the hope is that this incident will lead to greater awareness and proactive measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Zehring’s courage and resilience in the face of such adversity serve as an inspiration, and his journey towards recovery is a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
