Ja’Kerian Presley Rhodes-Ewing Shoots and Injures Classmate at Wilmer-Hutchins High School in Dallas; At Least Three Individuals Injured in Shooting Incident
On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, a shooting occurred at Wilmer-Hutchins High School in Dallas, Texas, resulting in at least three individuals sustaining injuries. The incident transpired shortly after 1:00 p.m. on the school campus located in the 5500 block of Langdon Road in southern Dallas. Dallas Police and Dallas Independent School District (DISD) Police responded promptly to the scene, initiating a large-scale emergency response involving numerous police units, firefighters, and ambulance crews.
Victims and Injuries
Initial reports indicated that at least three individuals were shot during the incident. Two of the victims reportedly sustained gunshot wounds to the leg. All injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening at this time. The identities of the victims have not been publicly released by authorities.
Suspect and Investigation
According to Dallas ISD Police Chief Albert Martinez, a 17-year-old student, identified as Ja’Kerian Rhodes-Ewing, is the suspect in the shooting. Rhodes-Ewing allegedly brought a Pink Lady .38-caliber revolver to school and shot a classmate in the leg during a dispute. The suspect was apprehended near the school’s football field shortly after the incident and was booked as an adult in the Dallas County jail. He faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation. Authorities are examining how the firearm was brought onto the campus, despite the presence of metal detectors and a policy requiring students to carry clear backpacks. DISD officials have acknowledged concerns regarding the implementation of security measures and are reviewing protocols to prevent future incidents.
School Response and Community Reaction
Following the shooting, Wilmer-Hutchins High School was placed on lockdown as law enforcement officials secured the campus. Students were safely evacuated and escorted to designated safe areas. Parents and community members were urged to refrain from coming to the campus to allow emergency responders to manage the situation effectively.
In the aftermath of the incident, students at Wilmer-Hutchins High School staged a walkout to protest the lack of safety measures and to demand stronger security protocols. They expressed concerns about the effectiveness of existing security measures, including the use of metal detectors and clear backpacks. DISD officials have pledged to review and enhance security procedures to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Ongoing Investigation
The Dallas Police Department, along with DISD Police, is conducting a thorough investigation into the shooting. Authorities are working to determine the circumstances leading up to the incident and to identify any potential lapses in security protocols. The community remains on edge as officials work to address concerns and prevent future occurrences.
Conclusion
The shooting at Wilmer-Hutchins High School has raised significant concerns about school safety and the effectiveness of current security measures. As investigations continue, it is imperative for school districts to reassess and strengthen their safety protocols to protect students and staff from such incidents. The community’s response underscores the need for comprehensive strategies to address the underlying issues contributing to school violence.
