MIAMI (CBS4) – Investigators are looking into statements from students that 15-year old Jordyn Howe brought a loaded gun to school several times before Tuesday’s fatal shooting on a bus that claimed the life of 13-year old Lourdes Guzman DeJesus, CBS4′s Gary Nelson has learned.

Police briefing the victim’s family said the .40 caliber pistol belonged to the teen’s biological father, who is no longer in the picture.

Gary Nelson also learned that Howe’s mother told police she was not aware of the weapon even being in the house. It it not clear how the teen got the pistol.

Meantime, Lourdes’ mother Ady DeJesus said she wants to know how this could happen.

“How did he have that on him,” she asked?  “How did nobody notice?”

Students have told investigators they saw Howe with the gun before at school, but never told anyone.

Howe has been charged as a juvenile with manslaughter and carrying a concealed firearm.  Prosecutors may charge him as an adult at his next hearing set for December 11th.

Howe’s family has asked for a public defender, claiming they do not have money to hire a lawyer for his defense.