On Friday, September 6, 2024, a fatal shooting claimed the life of a 15-year-old student at Joppatowne High School in Joppa, Maryland. The student, Warren Curtis Grant, was shot during a confrontation in a boys’ restroom on the school’s first level and was later airlifted to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, where he died from his injuries.
As reported by Harford County Sheriff Jeff Gahler, the shooting took place during school hours. An argument between Grant and Jaylen Prince, a 16-year-old classmate, escalated leading to the shooting. “This was the first day of the suspect’s attendance at school despite being the fourth day of the school year,” Gahler said.
More than 100 police officers responded to the scene. The shooting happened quickly, with a single gunshot ringing out. Prince left the school grounds, while several students moved Grant out of the bathroom. School nurses and the principal provided immediate medical attention until emergency services arrived.
Police apprehended Prince minutes after the incident near homes in the area. Due to Maryland’s Child Interrogation Protection Act, they faced restrictions in their ability to question him directly. Sheriff Gahler elaborated on this complication, stating they were barred from speaking with the 16-year-old suspect.
During a bail hearing, prosecutors revealed that ammunition was found under Prince’s mattress, and his phone contained images of him holding a firearm. Prince’s attorney, Marcus Jenkins, requested home detention, but Prince remains held without bail at the Harford County Detention Center. The weapon used in the shooting has not been recovered.
The incident triggered an immediate lockdown at Joppatowne High School. Students and staff followed emergency procedures while parents received instructions for reuniting with their children. Several area schools, including Magnolia Middle, Magnolia Elementary, Joppatowne Elementary, and Riverside Elementary, closed on Monday, September 9, with Joppatowne High School remaining closed through September 11.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore issued an official statement, extending his condolences and addressing school safety. Moore, on behalf of himself and the First Lady, expressed sorrow for the Joppatowne community and offered condolences to Grant’s family, friends, and mentors.
By September 20, 2024, a grand jury had indicted Prince as an adult on charges of first- and second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Joppatowne High School closed that day to allow students and staff to attend Grant’s funeral, which was described as having a “very, very somber mood” with the entire high school in attendance.
Kelly Joyner, a family friend who attended the funeral, remembered Grant as “an awesome kid” who was loved by many. The incident has prompted significant changes, including a community petition garnering over 3,400 signatures calling for metal detectors and clear backpacks in Harford County Schools.
Harford County Superintendent Dr. Sean Bulson announced that the administration would conduct community meetings to address concerns and ideas about improving school safety. The school district has already implemented new security measures, though specific details have not been released.
Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly stated, “We’re here to support what the Superintendent and what the Board of Education think is the appropriate measure.” The investigation remains active, with authorities continuing to search for the weapon used in the shooting.
