Teen accused of shooting classmate at Joppatowne High School held without bail

BALTIMORE -- The 16-year-old accused of shooting and killing his classmate at Joppatowne High School last week was denied bail on Monday.

The teen, who WJZ is not naming because of his age, is being charged as an adult for first-degree murder.

Authorities said the shooting happened on Friday, Sept. 6 inside the men's bathroom during a fight between two students. 

Witnesses said they were arguing when the 16-year-old allegedly grabbed the gun from his backpack and shot Warren Grant, 15, who died as a result of his injuries.

Harford County State's Attorney Alison Healey argued the suspect was a danger to the public because the gun allegedly used in this case has not been found yet.

She believes the suspect knows where the gun is and said investigators found bullets in the suspect's room and photos of him with the gun on his phone.

"I think that everybody has a constitutional right to be not contained while their case is pending because they are proven innocent until they're found guilty," public defender Marcus Jenkins said.

"He loved everybody"

As the Joppatowne High School community grieves, Grant's friends gathered to remember the teenager who "loved everybody."

"Like, always there for everybody, right or wrong. Warren is always there," a friend said.

Grant's shooting death rattled the community and his friends.

"I loved him so much," another friend said. "He was so sweet."

Many of them now have his name and birthday tattooed on them.

"He will forever be my best friend and I just know I'm going to make him proud," a friend said.

Classes at Joppatowne High are canceled until Thursday and school leaders are offering grief counseling at three locations in the community.

Looking into more security

This is the first time a student has been lost to gun violence inside a Harford County School.

In a recorded message that went out to community members on Sunday, Harford County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Sean Bulson said the district is looking into security at the school.

"We have received many suggestions about how best to ensure a more secure environment in our schools," Bulson said. "I appreciate the ideas and we will consider every recommendation we receive."