LYNNWOOD — A 16-year-old Edmonds boy shot and killed a 13-year-old girl in the Alderwood Mall food court Wednesday evening, police said.
The incident apparently began around 6 p.m. with a fight between two groups in the food court. One boy, 16, pulled out a gun and fired at the other group, hitting a teenage girl who wasn’t involved in the fight, according to KOMO. The girl, 13, was reportedly rushed to the hospital.
Just before 11 p.m., Lynnwood police announced the girl had died. Investigators identified her as Jayda Woods-Johnson, noting her family requested privacy and asked all media requests to go through the police department.
Citing the deputy police chief, KING 5 reported both groups, including the suspected shooter, fled the mall after the shooting. The mother of the teen suspect later brought her son to police, according to authorities. He was expected to be booked into jail for investigation of murder.
Detectives had not recovered the gun used in the killing.
Just after 7:15 p.m., police reported the “shooting incident” on social media, but didn’t immediately provide further details. The police department urged people to avoid the mall, at 3000 184th St. SW.
Police asked anyone who saw a teen boy in a white sweatshirt to call 911. Detectives also asked anyone involved to call 425-670-5623.
In a statement, Lynnwood Mayor Christine Frizzell called the shooting a “horrible tragedy.”
“My heart breaks for the family of this young lady killed by a senseless act of violence,” she said. “I grieve for her family as they attempt to come to grips with the loss of their daughter. No one should have to go through this sorrow; the journey ahead for all who know this young lady will be difficult and they will remain in my thoughts and prayers.”
The mall said in a statement it was “completely devastated by the senseless, horrific tragedy that happened in our shopping center.”
“Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends during this unimaginable time,” the mall’s statement continued.
Alderwood Mall was closed Thursday, to the surprise of a steady stream of shoppers. Signs on the doors apologized for the inconvenience.
Anchor stores Macy’s, JCPenney and Nordstrom were open through outside entrances only. REI, Apple and other outdoor promenade stores were closed. Restaurants by the mall were open.
Jake Goldstein-Street: 425-339-3439; jake.goldstein-street@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @GoldsteinStreet.
Andrea Brown: 425-339-3443; abrown@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @reporterbrown.
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