Girl Killed as Bystander to Mall Shooting

Thirteen-year-old Jayda Woods-Johnson was shot and killed by a stray bullet near the food court in a Lynnwood, Washington mall. A 16-year-old has been charged with her murder after he allegedly fired a gun during a fight between two groups of teens. Jayda, an innocent bystander, was struck by the bullet and later died at the hospital. Following the shooting, the mall was placed on a brief lockdown. The gun has not been recovered and detectives continue to investigate. 

The school district where Jayda was an 8th grader called her death a “heartbreaking loss.” And in a released statement, her family thanked the community for the outpouring of support. “…She loved exploring new places, singing, dancing. She seemed to know every song and movie ever made. She loved her two little brothers and was her baby brother’s favorite person.”

Sources:

Chelsea Hylton, “16-year-old Arrested in Connection to Fatal Alderwood Mall Shooting Released on Bail,”komonews.com (July 5, 2024).

“Family of Alderwood Mall Shooting Victim ‘Sickened’ by Suspect’s Release,” myedmondsmews.com (July 5, 2024).