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Jessica Jeanette James

Case from West-paducah, KY dated Dec 01, 1997

Victim Details

Jessica Jeanette James

Female

White / Caucasian

West-paducah

KY

1997-12-01

17

Jessica

Jeanette James

07/04/2026

Case Description

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In the quiet community of West Paducah, Kentucky, a devastating event unfolded on December 1, 1997, that would forever alter the lives of many. Jessica Jeanette James, a 17-year-old female student at Heath High School, was tragically killed in a school shooting. The incident took place as a group of students gathered for a morning prayer circle.

On that day, 14-year-old Michael Carneal, a freshman at the school, arrived with a. 22-caliber pistol in his backpack. He opened fire on the pray ...
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Links to Additional Sources (6)

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  • The Atlantic: Memories of a School Shooting: Paducah, Kentucky, 1997
  • CNN - Third student dies in Kentucky school shooting - December 2, 1997
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    Forum Posts (1)

    I want to share a thought about the community's response to the Heath High School shooting and espec... ...Read More
    06/25/2023
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