A local park shooting has turned a high school prom into a tragic event, resulting in the death of a teenage girl and injuring four others, according to authorities.
Seventeen-year-old Satula Hayes was shot and killed on Friday night in Brownsville, Tennessee, located about an hour northeast of Memphis. Students from Haywood High School had gathered in their formal attire to take photos prior to the dance, as reported by police and school officials.
Four additional individuals were shot and taken to the hospital, but it’s unclear how many were students.
In response to the tragedy, prom festivities were shortened, and school was canceled on Monday to allow classmates to mourn. This information comes from local news reports.
Haywood County Schools Superintendent Amy Marsh remarked that the deceased teen was a “hard-working student with a positive attitude” who had “a lot of potential and dreams for a future that are now lost.”
She continued, saying, “The senseless tragedy that occurred last night has left a huge hole in our hearts and will forever change the lives of all the families affected by this unspeakable event.”
Marsh emphasized the need to support the students and families impacted by the incident, noting that they had merely intended to celebrate their children.
On Sunday, hundreds gathered to pay their respects as Hayes’ casket made its way through downtown Brownsville.
Brownsville Mayor William “Bill” Rawls expressed frustration about the incident, saying, “We shouldn’t be here today doing something like this. It’s completely pointless…uncalled for…but we want to support families in any way we can during this time of need.”
As of Monday, no arrests had been made, but the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is seeking assistance from the public to help identify the shooter.
Haywood County Sheriff Billy Garrett Jr. assured that his office would dedicate resources to ensure justice is achieved for Hayes’ family. He mentioned that their county is a strong community, especially in difficult times.
This incident brings back memories of another tragedy in the same area, when Kristin Michael, a high-achieving student and class president at Haywood High School, was shot and killed just over three years ago while returning home from a basketball game.
