Ed Thomas, Aplington-Parkersburg High School Football Coach, Shot and Killed By Former Student Mark Becker, 24,

Ed Thomas, the Aplington-Parkersburg High School football coach was shot and killed inside the school as athletes were lifting weights. According to media reports, no students were injured, although about 50 students were present at the time of the shooting. Mark Becker, 24, has been arrested and charged with first degree murder in the shooting death. He is a former Aplington-Parkersburg player and student.

Superintendent Jon Thompson of the Aplington-Parkersburg Community Schools said crisis counselors were on scene to assist students who witnessed the shooting. Mr. Thomas had been with the school district for more than 30 years, Thompson said, and was a well-known football coach in the region.

This is a sad turn of events and I hope the cops have the correct person in custody and the motive for such a senseless act will be revealed. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Mr. Thomas.

To read the Des Moines Register's story, CLICK HERE.