LYNNWOOD, Washington — The parents of 13-year-old Jayda Woods-Johnson, who was shot and killed Wednesday night at Alderwood Mall, say they are “disgusted” that the shooting suspect was allowed to post bail and be released from juvenile detention.
Jayda was at the mall when she was hit by a bullet that police say was fired by a 16-year-old boy. An altercation broke out between two groups of people, but police said Jayda was not connected to either group.
Hours after the shooting, the suspect’s mother reported him to Lynnwood police and he was taken into juvenile detention. KOMO News confirmed the boy was released Thursday after posting $500,000 bail.
“This is completely unconscionable and shows why this continues to happen far too often in our country. Our justice system is not taking a strong enough stand against those who commit these senseless acts of violence,” said Jayda’s mother, Tabatha Johnson.
VIDEO | 13-year-old girl shot dead during altercation at Alderwood Mall
Johnson said her daughter was full of life and caring for her younger brothers.
“A quiet Jayda was rare, as she was a firework that could light up any room she was in. She infected everyone around her with her laughter and playfulness. She was the kind of person who would run down a grassy hill and have everyone follow her,” Johnson said in his statement.
Lynnwood police responded to the Alderwood Mall Wednesday night after receiving a report of shots fired in the food court. Paramedics took Jayda to the hospital, where she died from her injuries. Jayda’s aunt, Cheryl Huffman, spoke to KOMO News Friday on behalf of the family.
“There’s no right answer to that question, it was unnecessary. That kid should never have had a gun. Where did he get it?” she said. “It’s incredibly painful to know that the person who murdered your little girl is going to be free in less than 24 hours.”
Huffman said Jayda aspired to be an actress and loved music.
“She took life in stride,” she said. “Losing a child is devastating. To have lost him in such a violent way makes it even worse.”
The Snohomish County District Attorney’s Office said no police reports or charging documents were available Friday in the case. Court clerks said the suspect’s $500,000 bail was posted as surety and he was released.
Read the full statement from Jayda’s parents released Friday by the Lynnwood Police Department below:
“Message from Jayda, Tabatha and Jeremy Johnson’s mother and father:
Our precious Jayda was a lively 13 year old girl who loved everything about it.
She loved discovering new places, singing, dancing. She seemed to know every song and movie ever made. She adored her two little brothers and was her little brother’s favorite person.
A silent Jayda was rare, for she was a veritable firework capable of lighting up any room she was in. She infected everyone around her with her laughter and mischief. She was the kind of person who would run down a grassy hill and have everyone follow her.
While we are absolutely devastated and numb to this situation, we are grateful to the Lynnwood Police Department for their diligence and commitment to finding justice for our daughter.
However, we are disgusted and even more disturbed to learn yesterday that the court failed to protect our daughter and future victims.
WATCH | Community reacts to ‘senseless’ murder of 13-year-old girl at Alderwood Mall
“We are extremely disappointed and disgusted to learn that the mall shooter, the 16-year-old responsible for our daughter’s murder, is already out on bail and comfortably ensconced in his home. This is completely unconscionable and shows why these things continue to happen far too often in our country. Our justice system is not taking a strong enough stand against those who commit these senseless acts of violence,” said Jayda’s mother, Tabatha Johnson.
Thank you to the community for the outpouring of kind messages towards us and Jayda, we also appreciate the privacy as we navigate this nightmare.
If anyone feels moved to donate to help with funeral expenses and other costs associated with this tragedy, donations can be made to the gofundme set up for Jayda’s parents, Tabatha and Jeremy Johnson, this page was created by family friend Cheryl Huffman.
*Warning: Unfortunately, there is already a fake GoFundMe page out there. Make sure to use the one created by “Cheryl Huffman.”
News Source : komonews.com
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