ST. PAULS, N.C. (WBTW) — Robeson County school officials have released the name of a 13-year-old middle-school student killed Tuesday night in a shooting in the Red Springs area.

Edgar Salinas Gonzalez was a 7th-grade student at St. Pauls Middle School, the Public Schools of Robeson County said Wednesday morning in a statement.

“The Public Schools of Robeson County asks the community to join us in prayer for the family of Edgar Salinas Gonzalez, a 7th grade student at St. Pauls Middle School, who passed away recently.  We send our deepest condolences to Edgar’s family during this difficult time. Extra counselors are on campus today to provide support for students and staff members. We also ask the community to keep Edgar’s teachers, classmates and school in their thoughts and prayers as they navigate this time of loss.” 

Robeson County sheriff’s deputies found the teenager dead after they were called at about 9:15 p.m. Tuesday to the 100 block of Lapaz Drive in Red Springs. No additional details about the shooting have been released.

St. Pauls Middle School school released a statement earlier Wednesday morning on Facebook, saying a crisis team has been made available for anyone who needs help dealing with the death.

“We are saddened by the news that one of our students passed away last night. Our prayers are with all of his family and friends. We will have a crisis team on campus today to offer support to any student or staff member who may need it. Thank you and continue to pray for our staff and students.”

In 2021, Robeson County had the highest violent crime rate in North Carolina.

News13 has reached out to the sheriff’s office for an interview, but has not heard back.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 910-671-3100 or 910-671-3170.