ANTIOCH, Tenn. — A woman was apprehended in Las Vegas on Tuesday in connection with the unlawful possession of a firearm, following the tragic shooting incident at Antioch High School that left one student dead. The woman, identified as 40-year-old Chrysta Thomas, is the mother of Solomon Henderson, the 17-year-old who fatally shot Josselin Corea Escalante, 16, before taking his own life during the January 22, 2025, school shooting.
Authorities had been searching for Thomas after an arrest warrant was issued by Metro Nashville Police. As investigators delved deeper into the circumstances surrounding the attack, they uncovered evidence suggesting that Solomon Henderson was influenced by extremist content online, having reportedly idolized infamous mass murderers. Despite a comprehensive investigation, no criminal charges were filed against Henderson for the shooting itself.
During the inquiry, forensic evidence revealed that Thomas’s DNA was present on the firearm used in the shooting incident. It has also come to light that Thomas has a prior felony conviction from 2010 related to possession of a stolen vehicle, raising concerns about her access to firearms.
Thomas turned herself in on the outstanding warrant in Las Vegas, where she was charged with possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. Authorities have set her bond at $5,000.
The Antioch High School shooting has shaken the local community and ignited conversations about gun violence and mental health awareness among youth. As families continue to grieve the loss of Josselin Corea Escalante, discussions are ongoing about how to prevent such tragedies in the future. Community leaders stress the importance of addressing the underlying issues that contribute to youth violence, including access to harmful online content and the availability of firearms.
The investigation remains open as authorities seek to piece together the events leading to the shooting. The school’s administration has been cooperating with law enforcement to ensure the safety and support of students affected by the tragedy.