A 17-year-old student from Millington Central High School was shot and killed Tuesday afternoon during an unauthorized senior skip day gathering at Shelby Farms Park in Memphis.
Deputies responded to a shots-fired call just after noon at the park’s playground area and found the critically wounded teenager, who did not survive.
No one has been charged in the teen’s death. Investigators are treating the violent crime as a high priority, collecting evidence including multiple shell casings from the scene.
The fatal shooting occurred after a water gun fight at the playground turned deadly. Some 200 students from multiple area schools attended the event, which was described as unsanctioned and unauthorized.
Classmates and community members expressed shock and grief over the loss. Jonathan, a junior at Millington Central High School and a classmate of the victim, described the 17-year-old as a funny person who was easy to be around and open about his feelings, dreams, and aspirations, including wanting to be a football player.
“I could say something to him, I just say that I love him, I care about him a lot. I wish you could be here with us right now,” Jonathan said.
The tragedy deeply affected many in Millington, including Loretta Giovanini, who did not know the victim personally but was overwhelmed by the senseless loss.
“It just hit me, you know, because I’m a graduate of Millington Central High School. Both of my children are too. When they’re adults now, one of them committed suicide a couple years ago, and I know what it’s like to lose a child. I feel for the parents,” she said.
Moved by the incident, Loretta placed a black ribbon and a sign reading “Stop the Killing” outside her Millington home.
One attendee reflected on the unexpected violence: “It’s just sad that people are bringing cousins to an outing like that. You know, it’s supposed to be a fun day. You don’t think people are gonna shoot you and then it be the end of your life.”
Millington Central High School officials have scheduled counselors to be at the school starting tomorrow to meet with students and staff as they process the tragedy. A prayer vigil is also planned for tomorrow morning at 6:30 a.m. at the performing arts center on campus.
The community continues to grapple with questions about what led to the fatal shooting during what was intended as a celebratory event.