Evergreen High School Shooter Used Family Heirloom Gun, Parents Won't Face Charges

Investigators found the weapon belonged to one of the shooter's grandparents and was kept in a locked safe.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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The 16-year-old boy who shot two students and then himself at Evergreen High School in September used a family heirloom gun that was kept in a locked safe in his home, according to investigators. The shooter's parents will not face criminal charges, as their DNA was not found on the weapon and there was insufficient evidence to establish probable cause.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate around gun ownership, storage, and access, especially in the context of mass shootings involving minors. It also raises questions about the role and responsibility of parents in preventing such tragedies.

The details

The Smith and Wesson .38 Special revolver used by Desmond Holly in the September 10th attack originally belonged to one of his grandparents and was kept in a locked gun safe in the family's home. Desmond's parents stated the gun was rarely used and stored out of sight, and that their son did not have access to the safe except for brief moments when it was opened by his father.

  • The shooting occurred on September 10, 2026.
  • The investigation was completed and the findings announced on February 4, 2026.

The players

Desmond Holly

A 16-year-old boy who shot two students and then himself at Evergreen High School.

Desmond's parents

The parents of the shooter, who will not face criminal charges in connection with the storage of the gun or their son's access to it.

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What they’re saying

“There was insufficient evidence to establish probable cause.”

— Jefferson County Sheriff's Office (Denver Post)

What’s next

The investigation into the Evergreen High School shooting is now complete, and the shooter's parents will not face criminal charges.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the ongoing challenges around gun ownership, storage, and access, especially when it involves minors. It underscores the need for continued dialogue and solutions to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.