A night of celebration turned into a nightmare as gunfire erupted at a prom party, claiming the life of 15-year-old Chyell Paulk, a student at Irwin County High School.
Alongside Chyell, four others were injured, shocking the tight-knit community and sparking calls for an end to violence.
Chyell Paulk, known for her academic excellence and passion for cheerleading, was fatally shot in the right side during the chaotic incident. Despite efforts to save her, she tragically succumbed to her injuries upon arrival at the hospital.
Among the wounded, one student sustained a gunshot wound to the face but has since been released and is recovering at home. Another 14-year-old victim underwent surgery on his arm, where he was also shot, at a Macon hospital. A 19-year-old victim has been discharged from the hospital following treatment for injuries sustained during the shooting.
Authorities have taken swift action, arresting 17-year-old Channen Brown on murder charges in connection with the incident. However, they continue to search for another suspect believed to be involved in the tragic shooting.
Speaking to reporters, Ocilla Mayor Melvin Harper II commented on the urgent need to address violence in the community.
“The truth of the matter is, we have an overwhelming number of violence between Irwin and Ben Hill County. We’ve got to stop the violence and we’ve got to stop it now,” Mayor Harper stated.
Chyell’s mother shared poignant memories of her daughter, describing her recent aspirations to pursue a career in radiology.
She fondly recalled Chyell’s vibrant spirit and dedication to her studies and extracurricular activities.
In the wake of this heartbreaking event, both Ben Hill County Schools and Irwin County Schools are providing additional counseling and support to students affected by the tragedy, offering a source of comfort and healing during this difficult time.
