Jaylen Rushawn Prince charged with murder of Joppatowne HS student Warren Curtis Grant

JOPPATOWNE, MD — A 15-year-old student was tragically killed in a shooting at Joppatowne High School on September 7, 2024. The Harford County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim as Warren Curtis Grant, a student from Edgewood. The incident unfolded around 12:36 p.m. when deputies were dispatched to the high school for an active assailant situation.

A School Resource Officer already on-site immediately responded to address the threat, while additional deputies and law enforcement support from allied agencies arrived within minutes. Together, they formed contact teams to search for the assailant and secure the school. Students quickly evacuated the wounded Grant to the school’s entryway, where nurses, staff, and fellow students provided first aid.

County medics took over care before transferring Grant to Maryland State Police Medics, who transported him by helicopter to Johns Hopkins Bayview Hospital. Despite their efforts, Grant succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital.

The response involved a significant presence from various law enforcement agencies, including the Maryland State Police, Baltimore County Police, local police departments from Bel Air, Aberdeen, and Havre de Grace, Maryland Transportation Authority Police, Maryland National Resources Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Homeland Security Investigations. Together, they secured the school and surrounding areas, conducted a thorough search for additional victims, and facilitated the evacuation and reunification of students with the help of school staff and the Harford County Department of Emergency Services.

Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division promptly initiated an investigation using technology and witness statements to identify the suspect. A short time later, at 12:50 p.m., citizens reported a suspicious individual attempting to break into a house near the school. Deputies searching the area located and arrested the suspect, identified as 16-year-old Jaylen Rushawn Prince, a fellow Joppatowne High School student, at 12:52 p.m. The arrest was made without incident.

Prince has been charged as an adult with murder, first and second-degree assault, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony/crime of violence. He is currently being held at the Harford County Detention Center, awaiting his initial appearance before a judicial officer.

The investigation into the events leading up to the shooting is ongoing, including the nature of the relationship between Grant and Prince. Initial findings suggest that the two students were known to each other before the incident. Authorities have stated that there are no outstanding suspects and no ongoing threat to the community or Joppatowne High School.

As detectives continue their investigation, they are urging anyone with information about the crime to come forward. Those with relevant details are asked to contact Detective Ross with the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at 443-409-3555.

The community remains in mourning as they process the loss of a young life and grapple with the impact of violence within their school. Local officials and law enforcement are working to provide support to students, staff, and families affected by this heartbreaking event.