Mother of West Jefferson High School shooting victim speaks out

Ashley Hamilton
·2 min read

Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

HARVEY, La. (WGNO) — Following a shooting at West Jefferson High School Thursday, May 23, Barbara Benson says the most important thing to her is that her son is still here.

“He could have shot anybody. That gun could have gone anywhere, but it was just my son,” said Benson, mother of the victim.

A mother’s worst fear came true Thursday after her daughter called her to say her son, 18-year-old Damien Benson, had been shot on the last day of school near West Jefferson High School.

“I was in panic mode. I didn’t know what was going on with my son. I was devastated. Like, what mother would want to go through that? I just don’t understand how these kids end up with guns,” said Benson.

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The suspect, 17-year-old Denis Castro-Andrade, was arrested at his home. He is facing multiple charges, including attempted second-degree murder. Benson says her son still doesn’t understand why he was shot.

“He doesn’t know him at all. He just knows he has been in school. He goes to school with him. To bring a gun on campus and shoot my kid, any kid,” said Benson.

Damien was shot in the lower half of his body, but he is expected to make a full recovery. Benson says she wants justice for her son, but she adds that as a mother, she feels sympathy for the suspect as well.

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“We are going to do what we have to do by going to court with this young man. We want to see justice for my son. My son is still here but he [Andrade] messed up. His life is gone. I’m still a parent at the end of the day,” said Benson.

When asked if Damiren wants to return to West Jefferson High School, his mother says absolutely.

“He wants to still get his degree from them. He is not going to let anything stop him. He is in good condition. I mean, it is going to be a work in progress, but he is a strong young man. He is up there walking now. Ain’t nothing stopping him,” said Benson.

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