A 16-year-old suspect from Edmonds, Washington, was in custody, police said.
A 13-year-old girl died Wednesday after being hit by gunfire during a fight in a mall in Lynnwood, Washington, police said.
Jayda Woods-Johnson was “tragically murdered” at the Alderwood Mall, the Lynnwood Police Department said.
“The suspect has been identified as a 16-year old male from Edmonds,” the department said in a statement. “He was brought in by his mother and is in custody. He will be booked into jail for Murder.”
Two groups had been in an “altercation” near the mall’s food court, police said. Woods-Johnson had not been involved with either group and appeared to have been struck by a stray bullet, police said.
Police said they were still searching for the gun used during the shooting.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
On a quiet afternoon at a mall in Washington, tragedy struck as police confirmed the devastating murder of a 13-year-old girl in a shooting incident. The incident has left the community in shock and mourning the loss of a young life cut short.
According to authorities, the shooting occurred at the mall on Saturday afternoon, with reports of multiple gunshots being fired. The young girl, whose identity has not been released, was struck by a bullet and pronounced dead at the scene. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and police are actively investigating the incident.
Witnesses at the mall described a chaotic scene as shoppers and employees scrambled to safety amidst the sound of gunfire. Many were left traumatized by the experience and are struggling to come to terms with the senseless violence that took place.
In response to the tragic incident, law enforcement officials have increased patrols in the area and are working diligently to apprehend the perpetrator responsible for this heinous crime. The community has also come together to offer support and condolences to the family of the young victim, with many expressing their outrage and sadness over the loss of a promising young life.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing issue of gun violence in our society and the devastating impact it can have on individuals and communities. It is imperative that we continue to work towards finding solutions to prevent such senseless acts of violence and ensure the safety and well-being of all members of our society.
As the investigation into this heartbreaking incident continues, our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of the 13-year-old girl who lost her life far too soon. May her memory be a reminder of the importance of coming together as a community to support one another in times of tragedy.
