Authorities Search Shooter's Home After Antioch High School Tragedy

NASHVILLE, Tenn. A tragic incident unfolded at Antioch High School on Wednesday morning, leaving the Nashville community in shock. Authorities identified 17-year-old Solomon Henderson as the shooter responsible for the devastating events that occurred in the school cafeteria. Following the incident, law enforcement officers swarmed his last known address in Antioch and removed boxes of materials for investigation.

What Happened at Antioch High School?

Around 11:11 a.m. Wednesday, calls began flooding into 911 about a shooting inside the Antioch High School cafeteria.According to Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD), Henderson confronted 16-year-old Josselin Corea Escalante in the cafeteria before opening fire. Tragically, Corea Escalante was fatally shot, and Henderson later turned the gun on himself.

A 17-year-old boy sustained a graze wound during the shooting and was treated at a local hospital before being released.Another individual suffered a facial injury but was not shot.

Students Share Harrowing Experiences

Students present during the shooting described scenes of terror and chaos.Valeria Martinez, a student and neighbor of the shooter, shared her frightening experience.

"He kind of reached for something, pulled it out, and just started shooting," Martinez recounted. "I quickly ran out, but I did see some girl fall...I thought I was going to die."

The swift actions of school staff and law enforcement prevented further loss of life.The school quickly implemented emergency protocols, helping to ensure the safety of many students and staff.

Investigators Search Shooter's Home

On Wednesday afternoon, a heavy police presence was seen outside the Antioch home where Henderson was last known to reside. Officers removed multiple boxes of materials from the residence, but authorities have not yet disclosed the contents.

More than a dozen officers participated in the search as part of the ongoing investigation. Police are also looking into online material that may be linked to the incident.

Officials Address the Community

During a press conference, Nashville leaders, including Police Chief John Drake and Mayor Freddie O'Connell, provided updates on the situation.

Chief Drake confirmed the tragic loss of 16-year-old Josselin Corea Escalante and the self-inflicted death of the shooter, Solomon Henderson. While the motive remains unclear, Drake assured the public that the investigation is active and ongoing.

Mayor O'Connell emphasized the city's commitment to supporting victims and their families. "We as a community will continue to rally to ensure resources are there for those impacted," O'Connell stated.

School Closures and Support for Families

In response to the tragedy, Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) announced that Antioch High School would remain closed for the rest of the week. MNPS Director Dr. Adrienne Battle expressed her condolences to the affected families and praised the school staff for their quick response during the emergency.

"Today we lost students in a tragic incident, forever changing the lives of the families and those who knew them," Dr. Battle said.

To assist families, MNPS arranged transportation from a designated Family Assistance Site at 3754 Murfreesboro Pike. Parents were provided with clear instructions to ensure the safe return of their children.

Community Mourns the Loss

The Antioch community is grappling with the emotional toll of the tragedy. Students, parents, and staff are leaning on one another for support as they process the events.

The recovery process has been set into motion with the help of the Department of Emergency and local support organizations. Counselors are expected to be available to students and staff when the school reopens.

Ongoing Investigation

As the investigation continues, police are working to piece together the details of what led to the tragic events. They are reviewing the materials removed from Henderson's home and monitoring online content related to the shooting.

Chief Drake assured the public that authorities are doing everything possible to uncover the motive and prevent similar incidents in the future.

A Call for Community Unity

This devastating event has left an indelible mark on Antioch High School and the surrounding community. However, local leaders have urged residents to come together and support one another during this difficult time.

Mayor O'Connell reaffirmed the city's dedication to providing resources for those affected. "We will continue to stand by the families, students, and staff impacted by this senseless tragedy," he said.

Looking Ahead

While the investigation unfolds, Antioch High School remains a focal point of healing for the community. As students prepare to return to school in the coming weeks, the focus will be on creating a safe and supportive environment for everyone.

This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mental health awareness, violence prevention, and community vigilance. The Nashville community will undoubtedly continue to work together to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents.