SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KCRA) —
Gage, 7, was playing outside Tuesday during morning recess at Rancho Tehama Elementary School when gunfire rang out.
His teacher blew a whistle and called everyone to get inside and hide under their desks. Moments later, Gage said the gunman, Kevin Neal, tried to open the door of his classroom -- but he couldn't get in because it was locked.
It's wasn't until many hours later that Gage learned his father and grandmother were among the victims killed -- and that the shooter was their neighbor.
Gage was in Sacramento on Wednesday night with his maternal grandmother, Sissy Feitelberg.
The 7-year-old believes Neal targeted his school to try to find him and kill him.
Feitelberg said Neal had an ongoing dispute with Gage's family, but neither of them understood why.
"I'm heartbroken and sad for the family, and really sad for Gage," Feitelberg said. "A 7-year-old should never have to go through what he's gone through. Right now, my main concern is Gage and getting guardianship of him."
Gage is an orphan now. His mother died in an accident 22 months after Gage was born.
Feitelberg and her husband said they are in a position they aren't prepared for, but they're determined to take care of Gage. With just social security as their income, Feitelberg started a fundraiser on GoFundMe hoping to get some help.
"I'm worried about Gage's future," Feitelberg said. "He's afraid someone is going to come after him because he knew the shooter didn't like his family."
Feitelberg said Gage will need counseling, but she finds comfort in his ability to smile through all this darkness.