Slain teen to be honored at Desert Edge High School graduation ceremony

Aaliyah M. Anderson was in her last week of high school, commencement only days away when the 18-year-old's stepfather gunned her down before taking his life at his home in Goodyear, according to officials.

Now, her classmates from Desert Edge High School are planning to honor her at what would have been her graduation.

Agua Fria Unified High School District spokeswoman Megan Griego told The Arizona Republic that an empty chair will stand as a tribute to Anderson at her would-be graduation to be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at State Farm Stadium.

"Our students have been grieving the loss of their classmate," Griego said.

Desert Edge High seniors had asked Principal Gretchen Hann for the gesture to commemorate Anderson, who the week of her death had completed the requirements to graduate, Griego said.

John David Castro, 41, killed Anderson, before turning the gun on himself Wednesday afternoon at a home near Sarival Avenue and Elwood Street, Goodyear police have said. Family called 911, police said.

Authorities have not released a motive or any other information in the incident.

Property records show Castro resides at the house along with multiple other people, though Anderson does not appear listed as a resident. Castro does not appear to be the owner, according to property records.

"Our family of high schools is saddened to learn of the off-campus tragedy that occurred last week involving a student, Aaliyah Anderson," a school district statement read in part.

Anderson had been a student at Desert Edge High School for the last three years, according to Griego. The campus, Griego said, has school counselors, psychologists and a social worker on site for the remainder of the school year for grieving 2023 grads and for bereaved underclassmen, who still have this and next week left. Districtwide psychologists and outside support are also available, Griego added.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Slain teen to be honored at Desert Edge High School graduation ceremony