Principal Says Shooting Not Gang Related

By Ashli Sims, News On 6

A high school football star gunned down over the weekend is awake and talking.  Tulsa Police are still looking for the shooters, who opened fire on him and three other teenagers on Sunday afternoon.  The violence has stunned Central High School's student body.

Central High School was looking forward to a breakout football season.  Just one game in, the Braves are facing a tragedy that will make them live up to their nickname.  One of their star players, linebacker Jahmal Bryant, was gunned down in a brutal shooting in broad daylight.

"I was extremely shocked. Jahmal's a great kid. Like I said, the teachers were extremely upset," said Central High Principal Suzette Huggins.

Suzette Huggins says her heart just sank, when she got the call the 17 year old had been shot.

"Jahmal is not a kid that you think of being in that kind of situation," said Central High Principal Suzette Huggins.

Police say Jahmal was driving some friends home from church when his car was peppered with bullets.  On Monday, 16-year-old Donovan Crutcher died from his injuries.  Jahmal and two others are in the hospital.

Jahmal's principal says he was hit in the side and suffered a punctured lung, but he's expected to recover.

"He has a couple of scholarship offers already and this will probably take his senior year from him," said Central High Principal Suzette Huggins.

Huggins says the shooting has really shaken up the Central High community.  They called in extra security and counselors to put students at ease.  But, she says she wants to put the rumors to rest.  She says the act was not gang-related.

"These kids were attacked, viciously, ya know.  They were victims," said Central High Principal Suzette Huggins.  "This has gotta stop. This has gotta stop. This is an innocent young man."

Related Story:

09/08/2008  Police Need Cooperation To Solve Case