Anakin Zehring : High School Prank Leads to Actual Shooting, Teen Paralyzed

According to the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred on May 11 in Goddard, KS. An 18-year-old man, identified as Anakin Zehring, was shot, and the suspect, 47-year-old Ruben Contreras, was arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder.

The teen suffered severe injuries, including damage to his spinal cord, resulting in loss of sensation from the waist down. He has undergone multiple surgeries, with doctors optimistic about his recovery but cautioning that the road ahead will be challenging for him and his family.

A recent probable cause arrest affidavit has provided more details about the events leading up to the shooting.

Witnesses reported that the incident began when a group of teenage boys fired a gel blaster at Contreras’ daughter in the Walmart parking lot. The situation escalated quickly, leading to the tragic outcome.

The boys were allegedly participating in a game called Senior Assassin, where students shoot at each other with water guns. When the shooting occurred, one of the boys reportedly shouted, “I’m your senior assassin,” adding a chilling dimension to the incident.

Following the confrontation in the parking lot, the boys entered Walmart briefly before returning to find Contreras waiting for them. The daughter identified the boys to Walmart employees, leading to a further escalation of the situation.

Contreras’ daughter pointed out the boys to the authorities, providing crucial information for the investigation.

Surveillance footage captured Contreras approaching the boys’ vehicle and firing a single round into it, causing significant harm to Zehring. The swift and violent turn of events left everyone involved in shock and disbelief.

Zehring, upon realising he had been shot, tried to stop the vehicle to prevent further harm. His quick thinking and bravery in the face of danger highlight the resilience of the human spirit.

The aftermath of the shooting revealed the extent of the violence, with Zehring sustaining a gunshot wound and facing a long road to recovery. The impact of the incident reverberates through the community and beyond.

Evidence from the scene indicated the use of a firearm, with a bullet hole in the driver’s seat and Zehring sustaining a gunshot wound. The severity of the injuries underscores the need for accountability and justice in such cases.

Anakin’s father, Jeremy Zehring, expressed profound sadness over the incident, emphasising the lasting impact it will have on their family. The emotional toll of such a traumatic event resonates with all those affected.

Despite the challenges ahead, Anakin managed to graduate high school, with a special ceremony held in his hospital room. His family has set up a GoFundMe to support his recovery journey and cover medical expenses and rehabilitation costs.

As the legal process unfolds, Contreras is currently out on bail, awaiting further developments in the case. The impact of his actions continues to reverberate through the community and serve as a cautionary tale.