Montgomery students remember 7th grader murdered over spring break

MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) - It was no ordinary return from spring break at Capitol Heights Middle School.  An empty desk was an immediate reminder that 7th grader Maribel Barrera won't be coming back to class.

Barrera was killed by a bullet in a drive-by shooting over spring break. She was watching television when the bullet when through the window and struck her.

Capitol Heights 7th grade science teacher Kissie Scott described Barrera as a model student who was in her honors class. She admitted the first day back to class has been difficult.

"She had a beautiful smile," Scott recalled. "It's so ironic. Today I stood up and checked attendance and looked over where her seat was, and she wasn't there. But I could see her smile."

Scott said Barrera was a very creative student who always went above and beyond on her projects – never missing a deadline. As for her classmates, Scott said some are taking the news very hard. Others are asking a lot of questions.

"Maribel was an excellent student," Scott explained. "She was smart, sweet, well-rounded, and loved by all her classmates."

Losing a student over the break is a fear every administrator carries with them, something that was on Principal Cheryl Fountain's mind as students left school for spring break.

"Before we left that was the announcement," Fountain said. "I told them I hoped they had a great spring break, a safe spring break, and I wanted them back on the 28th. You always say that."

Fountain and Scott call Barrera's murder a senseless act, a crime against the community and the Capitol Heights family.

"She was doing exactly what she should be doing on spring break, staying up a little bit later, and watching her favorite movie or show," Fountain stated.

Scott said closure for her would come with an arrest for Barrera's murder.

"Maribel had a lot of potential. I hate she won't be able to fulfill that potential", Scott said.

Friday morning the school will hold a memorial for Barrera by planting a tree with a special plaque in her memory.

"We want it to be in a visible location," Fountain stated. "This way she will always live on at Capitol Heights."

The Montgomery Baptist Association is collecting funds to help cover Barrera's burial expenses. So far, they are $2000 short.

Barrera's funeral is on Saturday at St. Bede Catholic Church.

If you would like to make a donation, you can take or mail a check to:
 
Montgomery Baptist Association
20 Interstate Park Drive
Montgomery, AL 36109

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