FITZGERALD, Georgia — A quadruple shooting at a south Georgia after-prom party left a 15-year-old high school cheerleader dead and three others injured over the weekend, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Chyell Paulk, 15, and three others were found shot at the party on East Pine Street early Sunday morning, a GBI news release stated. Paulk and the other people injured were taken to the hospital, where the GBI said Paulk later died. The conditions of the three injured are currently unknown.
NBC affiliate WALB obtained a statement from the high school Paulk attended. Irwin County High School Principal Jared Luke said Paulk had a "loving spirit and always had a smile on her face."
A news release from the GBI stated that a 17-year-old was arrested and charged with felony murder, three counts of aggravated assault and gun possession.
After the shooting, the Fitzgerald Police Department asked the GBI to help with the investigation.
Principal Luke released the following statement to WALB after Paulk's passing:
The loss of Chyell is extremely saddening and tragic. She had a loving spirit and always had a smile on her face. Chyell excelled academically in the classroom and was also a member of the basketball cheerleading squad. Our school will continue to have extra counselors on campus in the coming days. Please continue to keep Chyell’s family, as well as her school family, in your thoughts and prayers.
Although the GBI has made an arrest, they are still investigating the incident.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact Fitzgerald Police at 229-426-5000 or the GBI Regional Investigation Office in Perry at 478-987-4545. Those who would like to leave an anonymous tip can do so online here or by calling 1-800-597-8477.
