PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) — Police released they name of a 16-year-old high school student who died Monday after someone shot her during a fight near her school.
The Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD) said Tuesday that it still was looking for the person or people responsible for the killing of Jayda Medrano-Moore of Greenbelt.
Her father Glendon Reid told DC News Now he was heartbroken when he got the news. His daughter had a bright future, especially in basketball, but now that’s cut short because of “senseless violence.”
“I just broke down yesterday because I was really feeling the pain,” Reid said. “She didn’t deserve it, she was innocent. Just thinking about it cuts into my heart, cuts into my soul.”
PGPD said the shooting happened around 3:45 p.m. on Monday in the 9800 block of Palamar Dr. Investigators said Medrano-Moore, who died at the hospital, was walking on Palamar Drive after she left DuVal High School. There was an argument between two groups. The shooting took place during that fight.
Reid said his daughter had goals of going to college and playing basketball for the WNBA. She played for DuVal High School’s basketball team.
“She was very humbled child, very quiet, very athletic, she loved basketball, and she worked daily practicing. She just loved basketball,” he said.
Her father does not believe she was the intended target. He was told that Medrano-Moore told the shooter to put his weapon away before she got shot.
“It’s cruel, it’s devilish, it’s just terrible. She’s a very humble child, this wasn’t meant for her, she was very innocent,” her father said.
The community and the family are praying for answers, as police investigate.
“I want to see justice, I want see the perpetrators or killers come to light,” Reid said.
The shooting came a few months after PGCPS Superintendent Millard House II announced that security measures at Prince George’s County Public Schools high schools would have enhancements, including metal detectors.
DuVal High School was part of the second phase of installments which was to take place in the coming months. After the shooting Monday, the school district said the installment date would be moved up.
“They can’t get them in all schools fast enough. But when they get them in there, hopefully, they will be useful,” parent Crystal Deloth, said. “These kids don’t find other ways to hide guns out here in the street.”
The Prince George’s County Police Department asked anyone with information that could help the investigation to call (301) 516-2512. People also have the option to call Prince George’s County Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or to provide information online or through the P3 Tips app. The case number is 23-0053813.
