LYNNWOOD, WASHINGTON – A tragic incident unfolded at the Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood, Washington, where a 13-year-old girl lost her life after being hit by a stray bullet during a violent altercation. The suspect responsible for the shooting has been apprehended and charged with murder.
The chaos erupted in the mall’s food court on Wednesday evening, as bullets were fired during a confrontation involving two groups of teenagers. The Lynnwood Police Department quickly responded to the scene, urging the public to avoid the area and provide any information related to the altercation.
Authorities revealed that the 13-year-old victim, identified as Jayda Woods-Johnson, was not involved in the initial fight but tragically became a victim of the shooting. Despite being rushed to a local hospital, she succumbed to her injuries, leaving her family in mourning and seeking privacy during this difficult time.
The suspect, a 16-year-old male from Edmonds, was eventually located and brought in by his mother to the police station. He is currently in custody and facing murder charges, with detectives continuing to investigate the incident and search for the weapon involved in the shooting.
In response to the senseless act of violence, Lynnwood Mayor Christine Frizzell expressed her heartfelt condolences to Jayda’s family and condemned gun violence, emphasizing the need for community safety and unity against such incidents. The mayor called for a collaborative effort to combat violence and create a secure environment for all residents.
As the investigation unfolds, the Lynnwood Police Department urged anyone with information related to the crime to come forward and assist Detective Bucholtz. The tragic loss of a young life has shaken the local community, sparking calls for justice and measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.