1998 Westside Middle School Massacre – Andrew Golden
Overview
On March 24, 1998, at approximately 12:40 p.m., Westside Middle School in Craighead County, near Jonesboro, Arkansas, became the site of a horrific shooting. Eleven-year-old Andrew Golden (later known legally as Drew Grant) and his accomplice, thirteen-year-old Mitchell Johnson, triggered a fire alarm during fifth period, prompting students and staff to evacuate. Golden joined Johnson in a wooded area outside the school where they opened fire on the evacuees, killing five individuals and injuring ten others .
Preparations and Execution
The night before the massacre, Golden assisted Johnson in loading a stolen Dodge Caravan with camping gear, snacks, nine firearms (including rifles, revolvers, pistols, and derringers) stolen from Golden’s grandfather's home, and about 2,000 rounds of ammunition . The following afternoon the pair arrived late to school, Golden pulled the fire alarm shortly after 12:30 p.m., while Johnson positioned weapons in the woods. As evacuation ensued, they unleashed a hail of bullets at fleeing students and teachers, commencing around 12:41 p.m. .
Victims
Here are the five individuals tragically killed during the shooting:
- Shannon Wright, 32 – Teacher, tragically shielded a wounded student and lost her life .
- Stephanie Johnson, 12 – Student .
- Natalie Brooks, 11 – Student .
- Paige Ann Herring, 12 – Student .
- Brittheny (“Brittney”) Varner, 11 – Student .
...Read More
Account
