On Wednesday, June 25, 2025, School Board President Triston Ezidore, CCUSD Superintendent Dr. Brian Lucas, Mayor Dan O’Brien and Culver City Police Chief Jason Sims held a press conference at the Culver City Unified School District to address the tragic death of recent Culver City High School graduate Chyler Paton and the urgent need for gun violence prevention.
Paton was fatally shot at a pool party in Torrance on Wednesday, June 18, just five days after graduation. There have been no suspects apprehended.
During the press conference, Chief Sims also reported on a second violent incident. On Tuesday night, June 24, roughly 300 people gathered on the high school football field for a vigil honoring Paton when a fight broke out, and led to gunfire. The shooter(s) remains at large.
A driver identified by witnesses as behaving suspiciously was detained for illegally carrying a firearm, though police confirmed he was not involved in the shooting.
President Ezidore emphasized that violence is a symptom of deeper systemic issues. The school board, he said, is “committed to connecting directly with young people to foster prevention through individual outreach.”
“We need a standing citywide framework for youth violence prevention and gun violence prevention,” Ezidore said. “Let me be clear: our schools are safe. But what continues to threaten our safety and take lives across the country are guns.”
Superintendent Dr. Brian Lucas expanded on that message, highlighting district efforts to create a safer, more supportive school environment.
“We’ve implemented a multilayered strategy that includes expanded mental health and counseling resources through our partnerships — like Care Solace and the Los Angeles County Office of Education,” Lucas said. “We also employ restorative practices that help students resolve conflicts, build empathy, and take accountability.”
Mayor O’Brien praised the ongoing collaboration between the police department and school officials, citing the importance of trust and communication. “My wife is a teacher in one of our schools — she’s working right now, teaching summer school,” O’Brien said, “and I know from her experience how hard the district works to create an environment that is safe and welcoming for all.”
The city mourns the loss of an accomplished and promising young life in June, recognized nationally as Gun Violence Prevention Month. The tragedy underscores the urgency of collective action to keep communities safe.
Clara Carvalho
Photo – L to R Mayor Dan O’Brien, School Board President Triston Ezidore, CCPD Chief Jason Sims
