Student killed in Michigan elementary school shooting

Students evacuate the school

February 29, 2000
Web posted at: 3:07 p.m. EST (2007 GMT)

MOUNT MORRIS TOWNSHIP, Michigan -- A 6-year-old girl was shot to death by a 7-year-old classmate at a Michigan elementary school on Tuesday, authorities said.

A single shot was fired during a first-grade class at Buell Elementary School with a teacher and about 22 students present, said Mount Morris Township Police Chief Eric King. It was not immediately clear if the shooting was accidental or intentional, he said.

The girl died about 10:30 a.m., said Hurley Medical Center spokeswoman Stephanie Motschenbacher.

Police said the shooting suspect, a boy, was in custody.

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King said police were still investigating and details were sketchy.

Initial reports said the boy was showing off a handgun to classmates when it fired.

Police closed off nearby streets and the students were immediately evacuated and the parents notified.

Third-grader Corey Sutton, 9, said he heard a bang.

"I thought it was a desk or something falling," he said. "The principal came over the PA system and told teachers to shut their doors and lock them. I was scared. My heart was pounding."

The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.

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Michigan State Police
CDC: Facts About Violence Among Youth and Violence in Schools
National Center for Education Statistics
  • Statistical analysis report: Violence and Discipline Problems in U.S. Public Schools, 1996-97
National Alliance for Safe Schools
Gun-free Schools Act of 1994

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