Teen Accused of Injuring Four Students Now in Custody on $600,000 Bond
A 17-year-old student believed to be responsible for a shooting at Wilmer-Hutchins High School in Dallas has turned himself in to authorities, police confirmed Tuesday evening. The violent incident, which unfolded Monday morning during school hours, left four students injured and sent shockwaves through the community, raising urgent questions about school safety and youth access to firearms.
The Incident: A School Morning Shattered by Gunfire
The shooting occurred at approximately 9:08 a.m. on April 14, just as the day was beginning for students and staff at Wilmer-Hutchins a large public high school in the southern part of Dallas. According to authorities and multiple witness accounts, a verbal altercation erupted between the 17-year-old suspect and another male student in a first-floor hallway near the cafeteria.
What began as an argument quickly turned violent when the suspect, reportedly wearing a hoodie and carrying a black backpack, drew a handgun and opened fire. Chaos ensued as students scrambled for cover and teachers initiated lockdown procedures.
“We heard about four or five loud bangs. Everyone just started running. We didn’t know if it was fireworks or a real gun,” said sophomore Leila Jackson, who was in a nearby classroom. “A teacher pulled us into a room and locked the door. We were terrified.”
Police say the suspect fired at least seven rounds in total before fleeing the building on foot. Four students—three boys and one girl, ranging from 15 to 17 years old—were struck by bullets. Emergency medical teams transported all four to nearby hospitals. As of Wednesday morning, two of the victims remain in critical but stable condition, while the other two are recovering from non-life-threatening injuries.
The identities of the victims have not been released due to their ages, but Dallas ISD officials say all were enrolled at the school and known to the suspect.
The Suspect: A Known Student with a History of Conflict
The teen shooter, whose name is being withheld due to juvenile privacy protections, was enrolled as a junior at Wilmer-Hutchins and was described by classmates as quiet but occasionally confrontational. According to multiple students, he had previous disputes with at least one of the victims, though school officials had no formal record of disciplinary actions involving weapons.
“We are still piecing together the exact nature of the relationship between the suspect and the victims,” said Dallas Police Chief Carmen Torres. “But it appears this was not a random act of violence—it stemmed from a personal conflict that escalated far beyond what anyone could have anticipated.”
Following the shooting, the suspect fled the campus, prompting an immediate lockdown and a citywide search by police and U.S. Marshals. Security camera footage and witness tips helped authorities quickly identify him as the primary suspect. After nearly 36 hours on the run, the teen surrendered at a Dallas police precinct late Tuesday night with his mother and legal counsel present.
“He walked in quietly, showed no resistance, and immediately asked to speak with a lawyer,” said Lt. Eric Montoya of the Dallas Police Department’s youth crimes division.
Legal Action and Charges
The teen is currently being held at the Dallas County Jail on a $600,000 bond. He faces four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and is expected to be charged as an adult due to the severity of the crime. Prosecutors have indicated that additional charges—potentially including attempted murder and unlawful possession of a firearm on school property—may be added pending further investigation.
“This community is traumatized, and rightfully so,” said Dallas County District Attorney Mark Hernandez during a press conference. “We are treating this with the utmost seriousness, and our office is committed to prosecuting this case to the fullest extent of the law.”
The suspect’s legal team has declined to make a statement at this time but is expected to request a bond reduction hearing in the coming days.
School Response and Community Impact
In response to the shooting, South Wilmer-Hutchins remains closed for the remainder of the week as police continue their investigation and administrators assess safety protocols. Superintendent Dr. Evelyn Green issued a statement offering support to students, staff, and families, and announced the deployment of grief counselors and trauma response teams across the district.
“Our hearts go out to the victims and their loved ones,” Dr. Green said. “No child should fear for their safety in a place of learning. We are taking every step necessary to ensure that something like this never happens again.”
The incident has reignited long-standing concerns about gun violence in schools, particularly regarding how easily minors are able to obtain firearms. Dallas Mayor Lisa Morales called the shooting “a wake-up call,” urging lawmakers to take stronger action on gun control and youth intervention programs.
“This is not just a school issue—it’s a public health issue,” Mayor Morales said. “We must do more to address the root causes of violence in our communities.”
Candlelight Vigil and Calls for Reform
On Tuesday night, hundreds of students, parents, teachers, and local leaders gathered outside Wilmer-Hutchins for a candlelight vigil in honor of the victims. Speakers shared stories, offered prayers, and called for changes to school security and mental health resources.
“We can’t just go back to normal after something like this,” said Jasmine Carter, a parent of a freshman at the school. “Our kids deserve better.”
School board officials are scheduled to meet later this week to discuss potential reforms, including enhanced security measures, increased counseling services, and partnerships with local law enforcement to improve response times and threat assessments.
The Road Ahead
As the investigation continues, the city of Dallas is left grappling with the aftermath of another school shooting—one that, while not fatal, has left emotional scars that may last for years. For the families of the injured, the focus is now on healing. For the community, it’s about change.
Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact the Dallas Police Department’s tip line.
