Andrew Golden

Mass Murderer

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 .

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Confirmed Victims: (5)

Natalie Brooks 11 yr old Female

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Andrew Golden

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