Harford County, Md. — Jaylen Prince, a 17-year-old tenager, has been sentenced to 80 years in prison after being found guilty of shooting and killing a classmate at Joppatowne High School in 2024. The sentence was handed down on Tuesday in a Harford County courtroom.
Prince was convicted of first-degree murder for the death of 15-year-old Warren Grant, who was shot inside a school bathroom on September 6, 2024. The sentencing includes a life sentence with all but 75 years suspended for the murder charge, plus a 20-year sentence for a handgun violation, with all but five years suspended.
Under Maryland’s Juvenile Restoration Act, minors cannot receive a life sentence without the possibility of parole, meaning Prince will be eligible for parole after serving roughly 40 years.
Details of the Shooting
According to court testimony and evidence presented during the trial, Prince brought a loaded gun to school and followed Grant into a bathroom. Prosecutors said Prince threatened to kill Grant at least four times before firing the weapon.
Witnesses testified that Prince grabbed the gun from his backpack, cocked it, and shot Grant, before fleeing the scene and disposing of the weapon, which was never recovered. Investigators confirmed that bullets recovered from Grant’s body matched a gun Prince had photographed on his phone.
Authorities said Prince claimed he purchased the firearm to protect himself, citing fear after losing at least five friends to gun violence. However, the prosecution argued Prince was the aggressor in the incident.
Prince’s Violent Past Highlighted
During sentencing, Assistant State’s Attorney Healy detailed Prince’s history of violence and aggression, both prior to and after the shooting, while he was detained at the Hickey School. Healy cited nearly 15 incidents, including assault, fights, threats, and aggression toward teachers and classmates, arguing that Prince posed a continued threat to public safety.
Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler emphasized the impact of Prince’s actions:
“The actions of one student resulted in the death of another, and in doing so, altered the course of two young lives and impacted an entire community. This case underscores the serious consequences of violence within our schools.”
Defense Argues Remorse and Rehabilitation Efforts
Prince’s attorney, Stacey Pipkin, highlighted that Prince is remorseful for the deadly shooting. Letters from former coaches, tutors, employers, and family members were read, describing Prince as an eager and intelligent young man with potential for rehabilitation.
Prince himself read a letter he wrote to his future self, reflecting on his mistakes and expressing a desire to turn his life around. He has completed programs at the Hickey School, including an electrician program, anger management courses, and recently earned his GED, as per CBS News.
The defense argued these efforts demonstrate Prince’s capacity for rehabilitation, but the judge noted the permanent consequences of Prince’s actions for Grant, who will never have the chance to finish high school or live a normal life.
Trial Highlights
The trial lasted eight days, featuring testimony from classmates, law enforcement, and Prince’s mother. Prince took the stand in his own defense on May 28, claiming he did not intend to kill Grant.
Prince stated that Grant initiated a confrontation over a girlfriend and that he warned Grant: “My hand is broke. I ain’t fighting nobody” due to a prior injury. He claimed the gun accidentally discharged during the struggle.
The prosecution countered that video evidence and witness testimony clearly showed Prince as the aggressor, threatening Grant multiple times before shooting him.
Community Impact
The case has had a profound impact on the Harford County community, highlighting concerns about school safety and juvenile gun violence. Law enforcement and school officials continue to emphasize the need for vigilance and preventive measures to avoid similar tragedies in the future.
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