Bunn High School Student Fatally Shot

A 17-year-old Bunn High School junior's estranged boyfriend gunned her down in her front yard Thursday afternoon when she arrived at the home where she lived with her aunt and the couple's 2-year-old son, Franklin County sheriff's deputies said.

Sheriff Pat Green said Elvira Hernandez had sworn out an arrest warrant against Christopher Steven Thomas, 20, of Louisburg, a week ago, saying he had threatened her. Deputies had been unable to find him to arrest him, however.

Thomas, who also goes by the name Christopher Harris, was waiting in a car when Hernandez got off a school bus, Green said.

“She took off running, running to the front porch, to the front door, and he jumped out of his car,” the sheriff said. “The car kept running, rolling down the driveway. He got out with a shotgun and shot her in the back. She fell to the ground. He ran up and shot her point-blank.”

Hernandez died on the front steps of the home at 664 Ferrells Bridge Road, near Loblolly Circle. Investigators said the couple's 2-year-old son was inside the house, along with her aunt. Hernandez's school backpack lay by the four steps leading from the lawn to the porch.

Thomas tried to get inside, Green said. He could not get in and then turned the shotgun on himself, Green said.

Officials initially reported that Thomas had been airlifted to Duke University Hospital in Durham, but Green later said he had been taken to WakeMed. His condition was not immediately available.

The shooting happened shortly after 3 p.m., officials said.

Thomas had attended Bunn High School, they said.

“It's not ever easy. This is senseless and it's tragic,” county school Superintendent Bert L’Homme said.

Bunn High School describe Hernandez as a quiet teenager, but a wonderful person to be around.

“When you spend 7½ hours every day with kids and spend time and you lose one of them, it's difficult,” said Bunn Principal George Kelley.

Grief counselors will be on hand at Hernandez's school to help students cope with the loss of their classmate.