A sign seen from inside Macy’s informs customers that the Alderwood Mall is closed on Thursday, July 4, 2024, in Lynnwood, Washington (Andrea Brown / The Herald)

A sign seen from inside Macy’s informs customers that the Alderwood Mall is closed on Thursday, July 4, 2024, in Lynnwood, Washington (Andrea Brown / The Herald)

Teen boy detained in fatal shooting in Alderwood Mall food court

Reports stated an Edmonds teen, 16, shot Jayda Woods-Johnson, 13, after two groups started fighting in the mall Wednesday evening.

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.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

New Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce CEO CEO Wendy Poischbeg speaks at a kick off event on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Everett Rising’: Wednesday’s chamber luncheon to showcase a new era of growth.

The Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce is beginning its efforts… Continue reading

The Edmonds School District building on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds School District faces estimated $8.5 million deficit

The shortfall is lower than previous years, but the effects are “cumulative,” Superintendent Rebecca Miner said.

Hundreds rally against Trump on Presidents Day in Everett

People lined Broadway with signs and flags, similar to other protests across the country

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

Alina Langbehn, 6, center, and Vera A., 6, right, sit on a swing together at Drew Nielsen Neighborhood Park after school on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett council votes to renovate Drew Nielsen Park

Construction on the $345,000 upgrade could start as early as this fall.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

Northshore School District bus driver Stewart O’Leary pictured next to his buses shattered drivers side windshield on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Bothell, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Put me in, coach’: Bus driver back at work after struck by metal bar

Stewart O’Leary, a Northshore employee, has received national attention for his composure during a frightening bus trip.

Lynnwood councilor Joshua Binda speaks during a Lynnwood City Council meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Does the Lynnwood Council VP live in Lynnwood? It’s hard to say.

Josh Binda’s residency has been called into question following an eviction and FEC filings listing an Everett address. He insists he lives in Lynnwood.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.