What to Know
- 16-year-old Jaelynn Willey is in critical condition after a gunman opened fire at a Maryland high school. A 14-year-old was also shot.
- The 17-year-old shooter has died, authorities said.
- Students at the school participated in an anti-gun violence walkout last week.
A teenage girl who was shot in the halls of her high school has life-threatening injuries.
Jaelynn Willey, 16, was in the hallway of Great Mills High School in Maryland Tuesday morning when police say Austin Rollins pointed a semi-automatic handgun at her and fired.
Authorities say Willey and Rollins had a previous relationship.
Willey, a dedicated student, beach-lover and swim team member, is in the intensive care unit at UM Prince George's Hospital Center.
"Jaelynn is an amazing young lady whose peaceful presence and love of her fellow students and family is known throughout her Maryland-based school,” her family said in a statement on a Youcaring Fundraiser page set up to help pay her medical bills.
Willey has eight siblings, one older and seven younger. She is a role model to her brothers and sisters, her family says, and helps to take care of them every day.
“It is hard for us not to see her shining, smiling face right now, and to see her light up the room with her presence,” the family’s statement said. “Please keep Jaelynn and our family in your prayers.”
Willey was shot about five minutes before the first period bell was set to ring. Another student, a 14-year-old boy, was shot in the leg. He’s in good condition, officials said.
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The nature of Willey’s relationship with Rollins is still unclear. Rollins died after an exchange of gunfire with a school resource officer. It's not clear if the officer's shot killed the teen boy.
This attack is the 12th school shooting that has ended in injury or death this year, according to Everytown For Gun Safety research.
Willey’s family said they will update the public when they can.
