Maryland Teen Faces Assault, Attempted Murder Charges For School Shooting

Unfortunately, school shootings have become commonplace in the United States. Since 1970, the country has seen 1,316 school shootings. These shootings result in serious injury and death.

A recent school shooting in Maryland has injured a student and led to criminal charges for a teen. The 17-year-old is facing charges as an adult.

The incident happened on January 21 at Magruder High School in Rockville. The teen shot a 15-year-old boy, who was found in a bathroom with a gunshot wound. The boy was an unidentified 10th grader who was taken to a local hospital for treatment. He underwent surgery and is in critical condition.

The shooter was taken into police custody hours after the shooting. He was found in a classroom. Police recovered a gun that was believed to have been used in the shooting.

It is unknown if the suspect, an 11th grader, was targeting anyone else at the school, which has approximately 1,700 students. After the shooting, the school was locked down for several hours before law enforcement officials allowed students to be dismissed.

The teen is being held in custody without bond. He is facing multiple charges, including attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, and three weapons-related counts.

School Shootings

School shootings are serious issues in America’s schools. Students should feel safe going to school, but sadly, that is not always the case. Many parents have made the decision to homeschool their children to keep them safe from the dangers that lurk local schools.

School shootings are typically planned. A study showed that 93% of shooters planned the attack in advance and of those, 77% spent at least one week planning it. In 80% of these cases, someone knew about the planned shooting, but did not report it. In more than two-thirds of school-related gun incidents, the guns were taken from the shooter’s home or from the home of a friend or relative.

In every school shooting case, there were warning signs that a shooting would eventually take place. What this means is that teachers, parents, and students need to be aware of any changes in behavior. When parents notice changes in their children’s behavior, they should communicate with the child and initiate therapy. When teachers notice changes in their students’ behavior, they should let parents know. When other students notice behavioral changes in their friends or classmates, they should let an adult know. With proper communication, it is hopeful that the number of school shootings will decrease.

Contact a Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney Today

When assault involves a gun or other weapon, the charges and possible sentencing become serious. A person can face 25 years in prison for their actions.

Protect your legal rights with help from The Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, P.A. Our Columbia assault lawyers can help you get the best possible outcome. To schedule a free initial consultation, call (410) 774-5987 or fill out the online form. We have two offices to serve you.

Sources:

abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/maryland-school-shooting-teen-faces-attempted-murder-charge-82417783

sandyhookpromise.org/gun-violence/16-facts-about-gun-violence-and-school-shootings/