LYNNWOOD—A Thirteen-year-old girl who was shot in the Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood on Wednesday evening has succumbed to her injuries, Lynnwood Police reports. She has been identified as Jayda Woods-Johnson. Jayda’s family requests privacy at this time.
The suspect has been identified as a 16-year-old male from Edmonds. He was brought in by his mother and is in custody. He will be booked into jail for Murder police say. The gun has not yet been recovered. Detectives continue to follow leads and collect all available evidence.
An altercation ensued at approximately 6:04 p.m. on July 3 between two groups of teenagers in the Alderwood Mall food court at which point one teenaged male withdrew a handgun and fired a single round. Unfortunately, an innocent, uninvolved, 13-year-old girl who was walking by the incident with her friend was struck by the bullet. She was rushed to hospital and later succumbed to her injuries.
“I am heartbroken for this young girl and her family and asked that you keep them in your prayers,” Lynnwood Police Chief Cole Langdon wrote in a statement.
Police Officers believe there were four to five teenage males who approached two other males resulting in a physical fight and subsequent fatal shooting. The victim’s family has been notified.
Every LPD officer in the area responded with assistance by the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, Washington State Patrol, and Mountlake Terrace PD. K-9 units and helicopter assistance were also provided.
The mall was evacuated and put on lockdown. LPD posted on their twitter around 7:17 p.m. to avoid the Alderwood Mall area.
The suspect was identified using the mall’s surveillance cameras wearing a white sweatshirt with black lettering, black pants, white shoes, and a large afro.
As this is still an ongoing investigation the LPD could not provide any more information at this time. They also do not know whether the altercation was gang-related or what make, model, or caliber the firearm used in the incident was. Law enforcement has not acquired the firearm.
The mall is no longer in lockdown as of 7:48 p.m.
Commander Patrick Fagen told the Lynnwood Times he cannot recall another shooting taking place at the mall through his entire career with the Lynnwood Police Department.
The LPD encourages anyone who witnessed the altercation or have any information that could lead to the arrest of the other individuals involved in the crime, to contact 911.
This is a developing story please check back as more information becomes available.
Editor’s note:
- [11:27 p.m., July 3, 2024] Article updated with victim’s name and that the suspect was caught.
- [10:42 p.m., July 3, 2024] Article updated with latest information regarding the victims age and of her passing.
Author: Kienan Briscoe
