Battle High School loses two students to gun violence

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Nearly two months into the new year and students at Battle High School are grieving the loss of another classmate.

Students have been making Facebook posts and attending vigils to honor their classmates who lost their lives to gun violence.

Roberto Lauer (18) was shot and killed on January 17th at a home on Irma Dr.

According to court documents, his friend pointed a gun at him in a playful manner and the gun went off.

Lauer's friend, 18-year-old Shawn Long, admitted to shooting him has been charged with first-degree involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action.

Saturday, 15-year-old Aubry Doxley was shot and killed in her home on McKee Street while she was laying in bed as shots came through the window.

Police have arrested a 16-year-old teenage boy for his involvement in the homicide and is being detained on charges of first-degree murder, assault and armed criminal action.

According to U.S News and World Report, to help a child cope with the loss of a friend it's best to be present in silence, don't rush to fill those silent moments with words.

Make sure their basic needs are being met, make sure they are getting enough sleep and have the nutrients that they need.

Also, you can encourage your child to still connect with friends. This will allow them to have time and space to express their hurt and pain.

Help your child honor their friend and the memories they made with them.

ABC 17 News reached out to Battle High School and the Columbia Public School district for their thoughts on the loss of the two students but we have not heard back.