OPELIKA, Ala. (WRBL) – Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller is speaking publicly for the first time following the shooting death of 16-year-old Jamiyah Grant, a student at Opelika High School. The teen was killed Saturday night during a large gathering at Bandy Park.
In a statement issued Monday, Mayor Fuller called the loss “tragic and senseless,” saying the incident has deeply affected the Opelika community.
“My thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and loved ones,” the mayor said. “This tragedy has shocked and saddened the entire community.”
Grant was shot around 8:30 p.m. during an argument that escalated into gunfire, according to Opelika Police. She later died at East Alabama Medical Center. 18-year-old Timothy Shell Jr. of Union Springs has been arrested and charged with her murder.
Kelli Fischer, Opelika High School Principal, tells WRBL: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Jamiyah’s family and our school family during this difficult time.”
Mayor Fuller said the city stands united against gun violence and called on parents, educators, and community leaders to promote non-violent conflict resolution.
“Violence does not resolve problems and is never an appropriate solution for resolving a conflict,” Fuller said. “We must continue to approach public safety through a public health lens and help young people find emotionally and behaviorally safe ways to address conflict.”
The mayor also thanked the Opelika Police Department for their swift action in making an arrest and expressed appreciation to community members who assisted in the investigation.
The case remains under investigation. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Opelika Police at 334-705-5220 or the Secret Witness Hotline at 334-745-8665. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Opelika Police app.
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