FITZGERALD, GA – A post-prom party in Fitzgerald, Georgia, took a horrifying turn when a shooting incident led to the death of a 15-year-old cheerleader and left three others injured. The incident, which happened early Saturday, led to a 17-year-old male being charged with murder, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Irwin County High School freshman Chyell Park died at a local hospital after sustaining fatal gunshot wounds. “She was 15 with a full life ahead of her,” said a distraught Chelsie King, the victim’s mother.
Channen Brown, the 17-year-old suspect, was taken into police custody and hit with multiple felony charges. As per Georgia’s criminal statutes, individuals who are 17 are tried as adults. As of Monday, court records showed no indication of Brown either appearing before a judge or having legal representation.
While further arrests are deemed possible, another shooting on Monday in Fitzgerald enforced a lockdown in Ben Hill County schools, leaving two individuals injured. Amidst the unfolding violence, schools in both Ben Hill County and neighboring Irwin County are providing counseling services to students.
The shooting at the party also injured a 19-year-old female and a 15-year-old male, who have since been released from the hospital. Another 14-year-old student is in surgery after a gunshot hit his arm.