Families seek help after kindergartners critically injured in California school shooting

The families of the kindergartners who were wounded during a shooting at Feather River Adventist School in Butte County are raising money to assist in the children’s medical expenses.

The fundraisers, which The Sacramento Bee verified with family members of the victims, are in support of the 5-year-old victim, identified as Elias Wolford and 6-year-old Roman Mendez. The Butte County Sheriff’s Office identified the victims Thursday.

The fundraisers can be found at:

▪ www.gofundme.com/f/help-eliass-family-during-this-crisis

▪ www.givesendgo.com/Romanandarmani

Both children were shot during their school hours at Feather River Adventist School on Wednesday and are in critical condition.

Feather River Adventist School is a Protestant school two miles southwest of the small town of Palermo with a population of 5,500 people.

The school, like its community, is small. Feather River Adventist School currently has four teachers, including its principal, and has 37 students that are from kindergarten to eighth grade age.

Elias was shot through the chest and abdomen, with multiple of his organs pierced, according to the GoFundMe post by Monte and Debbie Wolford, who identify themselves as his grandparents. He was later airlifted to a hospital for emergency surgery.

Roman, after being shot, was taken to the University of Davis Medical Center, 2 hours away from their home, according to the Give Send Go post by people who identify themselves as his sisters. Roman is in critical condition.

“While he is receiving the best possible care, this has turned our family’s world upside down, and we are struggling to navigate this unimaginable situation,” his sisters wrote.

Roman’s family is raising money to cover the cost of traveling to the hospital and additional costs. His family stated they are not in a financial position to handle these expenses alone. They are currently trying to raise $5,000.

“Any donation, prayers or words of kindness—no matter how small—will make a difference and help ease the burden during this difficult time,” Roman’s family wrote.

Elias’ family stated in their GoFundMe that he is currently sedated and on a ventilator in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Elias is awaiting additional surgery.

Elias’ family is currently raising $10,000 which will cover the kindergartner’s hospital expenses, and the family’s lost wages from missing work to be with Elias.

“We are overwhelmed by the great outpouring of love, concern and especially prayers. You cannot know how much it means that there are hundreds, if not thousands, lifting Elias up before our Heavenly Father,” his family wrote.

This story was originally published December 5, 2024 at 4:24 PM.

Emma Hall

The Sacramento Bee

916-321-1047

Emma Hall covers Sacramento County for The Sacramento Bee. Hall graduated from Sacramento State and Diablo Valley College. She is Blackfeet and Cherokee.