New Delhi:
A family who fled violence in Guatemala for a safer life in the United States is now regretting the loss of his daughter. Joselin Korea Escalante of sixteen years was shot dead in his high school in Nashville, a report saying.
Mrs. Escalante, known as Dallana for her loved ones, arrived in the United States at the age of nine with her mother and younger brother. They traveled for almost two months on foot, escaping from gang violence in their country of origin. When they settled in Tennessee, they expected a new beginning. Mrs. Escalante loved mathematics and science, and dreamed of becoming a doctor.
But on January 22, in Antioch High School, a student opened fire in the cafeteria, killing Mrs. Escalante and hurting another student before becoming the weapon on himself. The authorities have not confirmed if she was the planned objective.
Mrs. Escalante’s family made the decision to send her body back to Guatemala for burial. On January 30, the coffin that carried his body was transferred to Guatemala, where his relatives were waiting.
The father of Mrs. Escalante, the German Korea, who arrived in the United States separately and is not part of the family asylum, said in Spanish that they had a dream for a better life. “But the reality is that it is not better anywhere. In Guatemala, you’ve never heard of someone killing someone at school,” said New York Times.
The death of Mrs. Escalante has caused new calls for weapons control. His uncles, Carlos and Juan Korea, joined a demonstration in the Capitol of the State of Tennessee, with legislators, students and activists. They held photos of Mrs. Escalante. Speaking through a translator, Carlos went to the crowd, raising his fist in the air.
According to Nyt’s report, armed violence in the United States schools is increasing. A month in 2025 and there have been at least 15 shootings in schools or near schools, according to the K-12 School Shoe Database.
Joselin Escalante’s father is now considering defense work. He also urged parents who have lost their children in school shootings to take action instead of remaining silent. “Don’t let him stay like this,” he said, emphasizing the importance of seeking justice. “If we remain with your hands tied, this will continue to happen again.”
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