Chyell Paulk: Georgia cheerleader, 15, fatally shot and 3 students injured just hours after prom, suspect in custody
GEORGIA: Chyell Paulk, a 15-year-old high school cheerleader from Georgia, tragically was killed in a shooting just hours after attending her prom.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is currently investigating a prom after-party shooting where Paulk was fatally shot and three other young people were injured.
Minor accused of mass shooting may be tried as adult
Authorities have charged a 17-year-old suspect with one count of felony murder, three counts of aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
Despite being referred to as a minor in the GBI’s press release, the suspect could potentially face serious charges as teenagers as young as 13 can be charged as adults for crimes like murder, as highlighted by the Interstate Commission for Juveniles.
"I’m just numb," expressed Chyell Paulk's mother Chelsie King. "She was 15 with a full life ahead of her," she added, WALB News reported.
Insights into the tragic shooting
The shooting occurred in the 300 block of East Pine Street in Fitzgerald, Georgia, around 1:10 am on Sunday, April 28. The victims were promptly rushed to the hospital, where Paulk, a freshman honor roll student, was tragically pronounced dead after being hit in her right side.
In addition to Paulk, a 19-year-old student, and two minors were injured in the shooting. While one minor was released from the hospital after being shot in the face, another, a 14-year-old boy, is undergoing surgery on his arm due to his injuries.
Fitzgerald enforces curfew for minors after prom tragedy
On Monday, April 29, the City of Fitzgerald responded to the incident by implementing a midnight curfew for minors "under seventeen (17) years of age to loiter, wander, stroll or play in or upon the public streets, highways, roads, alleys, parks, playgrounds or other public grounds, public places, public buildings, places of amusement, eating places, vacant lots or any place unsupervised by an adult having the lawful authority to be at such places.”
According to the city ordinance, the curfew is in effect from midnight until 6 am. Although the city did not directly attribute the curfew to the after-prom shooting, it aims to address safety concerns surrounding such events.
Paulk's untimely death has left the community in mourning. Irwin County High School Principal Jared Luke described her as "a loving spirit" who "always had a smile on her face."
Additional counselors will be available on campus to support students through this difficult time. “Chyell, your light is still shining,” her aunt Linda King said, before adding, “And your aunt is going to do all she can to make sure that justice is served."
