Outrage as Teen Suspect in Alderwood Mall Shooting Released on Bail - Parents Speak Out

"Our precious Jayda was a 13-year-old girl full of life who loved all things about it." said Jayda's parents in a statement to the media.Photo byLynnwood Police Department

By Kristy Tallman, July 7, 2024

LYNNWOOD, WA - In a tragic incident at the Alderwood Mall on July 4, 13-year-old Jayda Woods-Johnson was fatally shot. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time and directed all media inquiries to the Lynnwood Police Department.

An altercation between two groups of teenagers escalated when one teenager pulled out a gun and fired inside the mall. All parties fled the scene on foot, leaving Jayda, an uninvolved bystander, critically injured. She was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries but sadly succumbed to them.

The mall was immediately placed on lockdown for safety as a search was conducted. Based on security video provided by the mall, the suspect was identified as a teenage Black male with a large Afro hairstyle, wearing a white sweatshirt with black writing. The mall is no longer under lockdown, and there is no ongoing threat.

The suspected shooter, a 16-year-old male from Edmonds, later turned himself in at a police station, accompanied by his mother. He is now in police custody and faces charges of murder. However, the firearm used in the shooting has not yet been recovered. Detectives continue to follow leads and gather evidence in their investigation.

Mayor Nicola Smith expressed deep sorrow and solidarity with the victim's family, stating, "My heart breaks for the family of this young lady killed by a senseless act of violence. I grieve for her family as they attempt to come to grips with the loss of their daughter. No one should have to go through this sorrow; the journey ahead for all who know this young lady will be difficult, and they will remain in my thoughts and prayers."

Mayor Smith also addressed the broader issue of gun violence, noting, "Gun violence is ravaging our young people. It is tearing our families apart and, if we allow it, it can tear at the fiber of our community as well. Brazen acts of violence and disregard for the safety of our community need to stop. Our community members deserve to feel safe while out shopping, dining, or simply enjoying a nice evening. Our mall and the surrounding areas, our city parks, and our neighborhoods must remain safe and welcoming gathering places for our community members. We must come together and take a stand against these acts of senseless violence."

The Lynnwood Police Department expressed their deepest condolences to Jayda's family and friends, lamenting the senseless act of violence. They commended the swift actions of the mall staff and first responders, including South County Fire, who provided aid during the crisis. "Our police have been on scene for hours since the shooting, and I commend them for their willingness to serve our city in dangerous and difficult situations," said Mayor Smith.

The Lynnwood Police Detectives and Special Operations division are actively working on all leads, and Mayor Smith expressed confidence in their efforts to bring resolution to the victim’s family and the community.

Public/Media statement and pictures approved to be released through LPD from Jayda Woods-Johnson’s parents, Tabatha and Jeremy Johnson:

Jayda Woods-Johnson with her parents, Tabatha and Jeremy Johnson, in a family photo released to the mediaPhoto byLynnwood Police Department

Message from Jayda’s Mom & Dad, Tabatha and Jeremy Johnson:

Our precious Jayda was a 13-year-old girl full of life who loved all things about it. She loved exploring new places, singing, and dancing. She seemed to know every song and movie ever made. She loved her two little brothers and was her baby brother’s favorite person.

A quiet Jayda was rare, as she was a firecracker that could light up any room she was in. She infected everyone around her with laughter and playfulness. She was the type of person to roll down a grassy hill and get everyone else to follow.

While we are absolutely devastated and numb by this, we are grateful to Lynnwood Police for their diligence and commitment to finding justice for our daughter.

However, we are sickened and even more troubled to learn yesterday how the court has failed to protect our daughter and any future victims.

“We are extremely disappointed and disgusted to learn the mall shooter, the 16-year-old responsible for murdering our daughter, is shockingly already out on bail back comfortable in his home. This is completely unreasonable and an example as to why this continues to occur too often in our country; our justice system isn’t taking a strong enough stand against those who are committing these senseless acts of violence,” said Jayda’s mom, Tabatha Johnson.

Thank you to the community for the outpouring of kind messages toward us and Jayda, we also appreciate the privacy as we navigate this nightmare.

If anyone is feeling led to give to help with funeral costs 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 set up by family friend Cheryl Huffman. Caution: Sadly, there is already a false GoFundMe page set up - be sure to use the one set up by “Cheryl Huffman.”

No further updates were provided last evening.

By Kristy Tallman, July 7, 2024

The Republic News

Source: Lynnwood Police Department

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