Maryland High School Shooting: Waren Curtis Grant, 15 Identified as Victim Killed by 16- Year- Old Student in School Premises
JOPPATOWNE, Maryland
— A 15-year-old kid was shot and murdered by another student on Friday at a high school northeast of Baltimore, capping a tragic first week of classes, according to local law officials.
A 16-year-old suspect is being held and is anticipated to face adult charges.
Students at Joppatowne High School concluded their first week of classes this year with one of their classmates slain in another senseless school shooting, two days after the horrific shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia.
The shooting took place inside a first-floor restroom at Joppatowne High School at 12:36 p.m. Joppatowne is a town with a population of slightly over 13,000.
After being airlifted off the baseball field to a nearby hospital, the victim was reported to be in critical condition by Harford County Sheriff Jeff Gahler. Later, the boy passed away in the hospital.
Gahler identified the deceased as 15-year-old Waren Curtis Grant.
Because of his age, the suspect has not yet been named, but Gahler stated that his name will be made public as soon as he is charged as an adult.
Gahler said that “community members” were responsible for getting the 16-year-old suspect into custody shortly after the shooting. Gahler omitted to mention if those members of the community were fellow students.
Although the gunshot was not audible to the school’s principal, the disturbance it generated was. She approached the shooting scene with the SRO to investigate.
Principal Melissa Williams, clearly upset, stated, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of this amazing young man ─ with his friends, with all of our staff members ─ with all of our students.” “Joppatowne is a strong and caring community that will undoubtedly unite our families, lend support to one another, and carry on supporting our town and each and every one of our families. J-Town is one town that we all belong to.”
Gahler claimed that the suspect fled the school and the restroom following the gunshot. In order to provide Waren with faster assistance, several students at the school assisted him in leaving the restroom and moving into the hallway, where he was seen by school nurses and subsequently first responders.
Within two minutes after the shooting, according to Gahler, his deputies were at the school, and within fifteen minutes, over a hundred officers from various agencies were present. Within minutes following the gunshot, paramedics also arrived.
Gahler stated that as of right now, they think a single shot was fired.
After conferring with the State Attorney’s Office, the sheriff’s office feels they have sufficient evidence to file charges against the 16-year-old. The sheriff stated that because of Maryland legislation, they have not yet been permitted to interview the suspect.
Four days into the school year, Gahler described it as “a tragic day.” “We’re all familiar with the horrible shooting that took four lives in Georgia just a couple days ago, and here we stand in Harford County with a school shooting.”
At the press appearances on Friday, Sheriff Gahler was accompanied by Dr. Sean W. Bulson, the superintendent of the Harford County Public Schools.
Bulson complimented first responders for their prompt response, saying, “I pulled up to the school to see just a sea of lights and people doing their jobs on behalf of our students in this community.”
According to Bulson, their hearts are aching for the family of the slain student.
“When our staff and students return to the school, we will have a great deal of support available for them,” he said. Bulson noted that preparations for school on Monday have not yet been established but that parents may expect a decision no later than Saturday.
Parents and youngsters were reunited at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, and Bulson informed reporters that the process went successfully. Bulson offered his thanks to the church for assisting out as a partner in the community.
Sheriff Gahler stated the weapon has not been recovered.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore made a statement Friday night following the incident, writing in part “Maryland prays for the young victim of this senseless act.”