Jury selection underway in Maryland trial for Joppatowne High School shooting suspect
Jury selection began Tuesday in the trial for a 16-year-old student who was charged with fatally shooting a classmate at Joppatowne High School in Harford County.
The teen, Jaylen Prince, is being charged as an adult for the killing of 15-year-old Warren Curtis Grant. He was previously denied bail, with prosecutors arguing he remains a danger to the community.
The shooting happened on September 6, 2024, just after 12:30 p.m.
100 potential jurors questioned
More than 100 potential jurors filled the courtroom on Tuesday and were asked if they were familiar with the case. Nearly 72% of the potential jurors acknowledged that they knew about the incident.
They were also asked if they had strong feelings about the case involving minors, to which 30% replied yes.
They were also asked questions about whether they or any immediate family members have attended Joppatowne High School or if they have concerns about viewing graphic images.
Potential jurors met with attorneys behind closed doors for further questioning.
Judge Kevin Mahoney hopes to have a jury seated Wednesday morning and begin testimony in the afternoon.
Joppatowne High student shot and killed
Witnesses said two students were fighting inside the men's bathroom at Joppatowne High School when Prince allegedly grabbed a gun from his backpack and shot Grant, who died from his injuries.
After the shooting, police said Prince fled from the school but was arrested in a nearby neighborhood after residents reported a suspicious person.
The teen faces charges of first- and second-degree murder, assault, use of a firearm in a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm as a minor.
Classes at the school were canceled on Sept. 20 to allow students and staff to attend Grant's funeral.
Community reacts to fatal shooting, demands security changes
After the shooting, community members, along with members of the Harford County Board of Education, called for the resignation of the Harford County Public Schools superintendent and other board members.
An online petition demanding security improvements also surfaced after the incident. The petition called for school leaders to install metal detectors and require clear backpacks at all HCPS schools.
A parent told WJZ that children signed the petition, "pleading for safety and to feel safe again."
In December 2024, the Harford County Government and the Harford County Board of Education announced a plan to allocate funding for security improvements at Harford County schools, including advanced weapon detection systems and other electronic upgrades, and more School Resource Officers (SROs).
Students at the school were temporarily prohibited from bringing backpacks and bookbags.
