A Tennessee teenager died following a mass shooting during a high school prom event, and authorities are now asking the public for help to determine who killed the girl and injured four others.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said in a statement on Sunday, May 10, that police responded to a park in Brownsville, Tennessee, on Friday, May 8, and found five people suffering from gunshot wounds.
All five of the victims were taken to the hospital, where one teenager later died.
Haywood County Schools issued a statement following the tragedy, identifying the deceased high school student Saturah Hayes.
Officials told WREG that the shooting took place during a pre-prom event that was held at the park.
None of the other victims have been publicly identified.
No arrests have been made in connection to the shooting as of Monday, May 11. Police have asked that anyone with information regarding the incident, including video of the shooting or witnesses, contact investigators at 1-800-TBI-FIND or email them at [email protected].
The Youth Peace & Justice Foundation announced they are offering a $5,000 reward for credible information that may lead to the identification, arrest and prosecution of the person or people responsible for a shooting, according to Fox 13 Memphis.
Following the tragedy, several of Saturah’s loved ones gathered in the Brownsville’s Court Square to show support for the teen’s mother and to remember what kind of friend she was.
“One summer, I was real depressed. This girl came to my house every day of the summer and got me up out my bed and made me come outside,” one teenager told Action News 5 about Saturah, 17, on May 10. “She has the most genuine spirit ever.”
Another friend told the outlet, “My girl would be so happy right now that the whole town came down to see her and supported her through this, cause my girl didn’t deserve this.”
Saturah’s mother, Astacia Hayes, also took to Facebook to share the “last picture” she took of her daughter.
“This is my last picture of my baby…. Why? Why? Why? Would y’all take my baby from me, away from her family and friends. I tried to protect her from stuff like this and the one time I knew she would be ok, her room is empty… Lord!!!” Astacia wrote about Saturah. “I promise I will get back with each of you. Just give me a little time and patience. Keep us in your prayers as well as the others who were injured! I’m the strong friend; but I need y’all.”
She added that she wanted “justice” for her daughter and asked her loved ones to continue saying Saturah’s “name loudly.”
“Saturah I love you; forever and always my chocolate China doll,” Astacia post concluded.
