Students honor shooting victim

Palm Glades Preparatory Academy Students bring balloons to remember Lourdes Guzman

SOUTH MIAMI-DADE, Fla. – Students at Palm Glades Preparatory Academy, where a 13-year-old girl who was shot and killed Tuesday attended, held a balloon ceremony in her honor Wednesday afternoon.

"It was very emotional and people were crying," said Kelvin Corrian. "The balloons had writing and that we love her, too."

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Jordyn Alexander Howe, 15, is charged with manslaughter and and carrying a concealed firearm in connection with the shooting death of Lourdes Guzman. Howe waived the right to his first appearance in court on Wednesday.

Students gathered Wednesday afternoon for the ceremony.

"She is funny and nice and she wasn't supposed to die," said Nicole Covis.

"She was a very special girl and the ceremony means a lot," said Shalimar Cruz.

Students sang and shared their memories of Guzman.

A letter was also sent home to parents to help them explain to their children how Guzman's death happened.

"I don't want nothing to happen to me like this or anyone else," said Corrian.

Students who arrived for class were grieving the loss.

"It's really hard for me to be here," said Tymia West.

"She was a good friend for three years," said Oscar Almendares, "I'm in shock. I can't believe she died."

"I didn't know her, but I heard a lot about her, that she was a good student," said Henry Martinez.

Martinez was one of many students who came with a handful of balloons.

"We are just trying to show her respect, that we care for her," he said.

"I had a class with her," said Justin Lilavois, a student who also brought balloons, "I'm thinking of her family, her, her death, and her family's loss."

"Nice person, friendly, outgoing, and always wanted to do things," said Almendares.

"She was sweet. Always had a smile on her face," said Lilavois.