Colorado teen's heroism in school shooting prompts sainthood inquiry
Diocese opens investigation into Kendrick Castillo’s life, years after he died protecting classmates at STEM School Highlands Ranch
A Colorado teenager who died after charging a school gunman to protect his classmates may become a saint in the Catholic Church. The Diocese of Colorado Springs has formally received a petition to open Kendrick Castillo's cause for canonization, marking the first official step in a process some parishioners say reflects the depth of his faith and courage.
Castillo, 18, was killed on May 7, 2019, at STEM School Highlands Ranch when he rushed at one of the gunmen during an attack in a British literature class that had gathered to watch a movie. Eight others were injured in the shooting. The two assailants, Devon Erickson, then 18, and Alec McKinney, then 16, were later prosecuted, with Erickson convicted on multiple counts and McKinney testifying against him. Castillo's actions, along with those of two fellow students who rushed the gunman, helped subdue the attackers and likely prevented a larger loss of life. A former prosecutor involved in the case described Castillo as a remarkable hero.
The petition to open the canonization cause went to the Diocese of Colorado Springs, which handles matters for the area where the shooting occurred. If the case advances, it could fall under Pope Francis's "Offering of Life" category, which honors people who give their lives for their neighbors even when they are not killed for faith in a traditional sense. Church officials described Castillo as a devout young man who carried a rosary and volunteered in his parish, and who was known for living out his faith in daily life.
The tragedy heightened attention within the local Catholic community to how young people express faith in times of crisis. Kendrick’s devotion was well known in his parish, with some accounts noting a rosary found on him after his death and later gifted to a classmate. Parish leaders said Castillo's courage and generosity became a touchstone for reflection on how courage and faith intersect in moments of violence.
Bishop James Golka of Colorado Springs praised those who gathered testimony about Kendrick’s life, saying the case underscores how exceptional young people can embody virtue in the face of danger. Church officials cautioned that the canonization process is lengthy and requires careful examination of Castillo’s life, virtues, and, if applicable, any miracles that would support a sainthood cause.
For the broader community, the case sits at the intersection of faith, grief, and resilience. The shooting at STEM School Highlands Ranch remained a defining event for the region, shaping conversations about school safety and the role of religious institutions in public life. The case also continues to be revisited in discussions about how families and faith communities respond to violence and offer solace and guidance to survivors.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Image 1 here: Castillo memorial
As the canonization process progresses, officials within the Diocese of Colorado Springs say they will approach the inquiry with clinical thoroughness, seeking to document not just the events of that day but also Castillo’s life of faith and service. The path to sainthood typically unfolds in stages, beginning with the local church and potentially moving to Rome for further examination by Vatican authorities. Throughout this process, the community’s burden of memory remains central: a mural and other tributes near the school memorialize a student who chose to put others first, and supporters continue to emphasize the importance of courage intertwined with faith in difficult times.
Image 2 here: Prosecutor Brauchler speaks about Kendrick
In court records and subsequent coverage, Erickson was convicted on 46 counts, including first-degree murder, and faces life in prison without parole. McKinney, who testified against Erickson, pleaded guilty and could be eligible for parole after about 20 years. The case’s outcomes have fed a spectrum of public recollection—from those who view Castillo as a symbol of sacrificial courage to others seeking to understand how communities respond to mass violence. The father of Kendrick, John Castillo, has spoken of his son’s persistence in faith and service, noting how the family’s memory of Kendrick continues to shape conversations about healing and justice.
Image 3 here: Kendrick Castillo mural in Denver
While the canonization process remains in its early stages, church officials emphasize that it is not a judgment of Castillo’s worth but a formal recognition of a life deemed worthy of imitation. The diocese will continue to gather testimony, visit parishes, and review Castillo’s acts of charity, devotion, and courage. If the cause advances, it could eventually reach the Vatican for consideration under appropriate theological criteria. In the meantime, the story of Kendrick Castillo endures as a narrative of faith in ordinary life, echoing across families and congregations who seek guidance in the wake of violence.