The Florence Unified School District is working to support students, staff and families following the violent deaths of three Pinal County students.

FUSD stated that staff and administrators' “thoughts and sincerest condolences go out to the families and friends affected by these heartbreaking incidents. We understand the grief, pain, and confusion that such tragedies can bring, and we want to express our unwavering support during this difficult time,” according to a statement released Wednesday.

In the span of less than a month, three Pinal County students have been killed. The first was 16-year-old Preston Lord of Combs High school. He was assaulted Oct. 28 while attending a house party in Queen Creek. He died of his injuries on Oct. 30. There have been no arrests in the case.

On Nov. 28, another Combs High student, 17-year-old Jamiere Jenkins, died from a gunshot wound in the Cambria neighborhood of San Tan Valley. Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb said in a Facebook video at the time of the killing that Jenkins and the suspect were arguing when the suspect allegedly pulled out a gun and fired one round that hit Jenkins in the neck. PCSO found the suspect the following day.

In December, Anthony Jason Garcia, 17, was charged with second-degree murder in connection with the case and transferred to the Pinal County Jail from the Pinal County Youth Justice Center.

The Queen Creek Police Department and the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office stress that there are no connections between the Lord and Jenkins cases, as well as the shooting death of Hailey Stephens, a 17-year-old Casa Grande girl who was shot and killed during a house party in that city on Nov. 26. Casa Grande Police report they have arrested nine adults and juveniles in connection with the shooting.

“In times of profound sorrow, the FUSD community stands as a source of strength and compassion,” stated Chris Knutsen, FUSD superintendent, in the release. “Together, we need to support one another in a shared commitment to the well-being of our youth and let it guide us toward a future built on empathy, understanding, and collective support."

FUSD stated that although students are on winter break the district is committed to providing resources and support to students who are having a challengingtime dealing with the killings.

“In difficult times, it is crucial that we come together as a community to support one another,” according to the statement. “FUSD is not just a place of learning, but a district-family of compassion, resilience, and unity.”

The district is encouraging students, staff and families to use the district’s "See Something, Say Something" tip line that can be found on its website or call the district office during normal operating hours at 520-866-3500 to be connected with a staff member who can assist.