Police Still Looking For Answers In Huffman School Shooting Case

BIRMINGHAM, AL - A 17-year-old girl Huffman High School student was killed and another student injured in a shooting inside the school Wednesday afternoon, and police are still looking for answers as to what exactly happened. Senior Courtlin Arrington died in the ambulance on the way to UAB Hospital after she was shot while students were leaving school for the day. Police are still saying the investigation is a "death investigation," and not a homicide.

"We lost a person, not just a person, but a student. Someone's daughter, someone's best friend," Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin said.

The 17-year-old male student who had the gun was also taken to UAB Hospital but was released Wednesday night. He is currently being questioned by police, but no charges have been brought against the student.

"Detectives of the Birmingham Police Department have been working through the night reviewing evidence, video and statements on the tragic incident that took place at Huffman High School yesterday," The BPD said in a statement. "Due to their diligent work a person of interest has been taken into custody. Charges are pending a review of the case by the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office. Because the charges are pending we will not be releasing any information on the individual in custody. Further information will be released as it becomes available."

Police Chief Orlando Wilson said, "Right now we have a lot of unanswered questions."

In an announcement Thursday, school officials said that while Huffman High School does have metal detectors on campus, they were not in use Wednesday, which would have allowed the student to bring the gun into the school.

The Birmingham City School system announced that Huffman High School would be closed Thursday, to allow the system to collaborate with organizations in the community to provide counseling support to both students and staff, according to a statement by Superintendent Lisa Herring.

"The magnitude of this event causes us to pause. However, we want to assure our parents, students, staff and community that safety and security are a top priority for Birmingham City Schools," Herring said.

Woodfin ordered flags at city facilities to be flown at half mast Thursday.

An earlier report that a school employee was injured in the incident was not confirmed by Wilson, but paramedics said the adult male was treated at the scene and released.

Information in this story was reported by Patch Birmingham Editor Michael Seale.

Photo by Michael Seale