Joppatowne High School Shooter Receives 80-Year Sentence for Murder

A Harford County judge has sentenced Jaylen Rushawn Prince to life in prison. The sentence suspends all but 80 years of active incarceration. This follows his conviction for the first-degree murder of Warren Curtis Grant.

The fatal shooting occurred on September 6, 2024, at Joppatowne High School. The sentencing hearing took place on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. Prince was a juvenile at the time of the offense.

Prosecution Cites Extensive Violent History

State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey argued for a lengthy sentence. She presented evidence of Prince’s long history of violent behavior. This included school records detailing attacks on peers and threats toward teachers.

Over two hundred pages from the Charles H. Hickey School were submitted. They documented continued assaultive behavior and threats to staff. A state psychologist also evaluated Prince as an “extremely high risk for future violence.”

Victim’s Family Seeks Justice and Closure

The court heard ten victim impact statements from Grant’s family and friends. They described Warren Grant as a selfless and loving individual. The family pleaded for accountability for his senseless murder.

Judge Keven Mahoney acknowledged the profound impact of the tragedy. He stated that children must be safe in school. The judge emphasized that Prince brought a loaded firearm to school with clear intent.

The 80-year sentence for the Joppatowne High School murder ensures the defendant will be incarcerated for decades. This case underscores a firm stance against gun violence in educational settings. The community hopes it brings a measure of peace to the victim’s family.

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Who was Warren Curtis Grant?

Warren Curtis Grant was the victim fatally shot at Joppatowne High School. His family and friends described him as a selfless, kind, and loyal individual. The sentencing hearing included ten emotional victim impact statements from his loved ones.

What was the final sentence for Jaylen Prince?

Jaylen Prince was sentenced to Life plus twenty years. The judge suspended all but 80 years of active incarceration. He will also serve five years of supervised probation if he is ever released.

Why wasn’t Prince given a life without parole sentence?

The State could not seek life without parole due to the defendant’s age. Prince was a juvenile at the time he committed the murder. State sentencing laws for juveniles restrict such penalties.

What evidence was presented about the defendant’s past?

The prosecution presented extensive records of violent behavior. This included Harford County Public School documents and files from the Charles H. Hickey School. A psychological evaluation also deemed him a high risk for future violence.

When is Prince eligible for parole?

Due to the violent nature of the crime, Prince is not eligible for his first parole review until he serves at least half of his sentence. This means he must serve a minimum of 40 years before becoming eligible.