Popular reverend and educator allegedly shot student execution-style over drug deal gone bad

Luther Vandross was outed as gay after his death.

Roxbury, MA — A Jamaica Plain high school employee has been fired and charged with armed assault with intent to murder after allegedly trying to kill a student.

Authorities say that the 55-year-old Reverend Shaun Harrison, who runs a substance abuse program for students, enlisted the help of a 17-year-old student in distributing marijuana. Tuesday night’s shooting happened when the two had a falling out.

Surveillance video from a nearby store captured footage of the incident. The two had just left Harrison’s home and were walking down the street when Harrison pulled a handgun and shot the teenager in the back of the head execution style, according to authorities.

The teenager was taken to Boston Medical Center, where he was treated for his wounds. He told police that he had been selling marijuana for Harrison for several months and that he had been promised girls and weed in exchange.

Harrison had apparently worked at the school as the “Dean of Academy” and ran a family outreach program but has since been fired as a result of the investigation. A statement made by interim Boston Public Schools Superintendent John McDonough reads in part:

“Nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of our students. English High School is filled with committed and caring educators who go above and beyond for their students every day. The school community is strong and its students and teachers have my unwavering support … The employee in question is being terminated immediately.”

Harrison was arrested along with three other men seen leaving his apartment. According to Harrison’s attorney, the reverend also leads anger management classes and groups.

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