Amarr Murphy Garfield HS Death – Tragedy struck Garfield High School on Thursday afternoon when 17-year-old student Amarr Murphy was shot and killed while trying to stop a fight.
The shooting occurred around lunchtime (12:30 pm) in the parking lot near 23rd Avenue and Jefferson Street. According to Deputy Chief Eric Barden, the victim, another male student around 17 years old Amarr Murphy, intervened in an altercation on campus.
Sadly, the suspect, also a high schooler, pulled out a gun and shot the victim before escaping. The suspect remains at large and is described as wearing a red hoodie, light-colored pants, and light shoes. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Despite heroic efforts from officers who provided first aid, including a chest seal, the 17-year-old victim succumbed to his injuries at Harborview Medical Center. Deputy Chief Eric Barden expressed the gravity of the situation, calling it “an extraordinary tragedy for the community.”
Officers secured the school and searched for the suspect while students remained sheltered in place for roughly three hours during the lockdown. The lockdown extended beyond Garfield High School. Nearby Nova School and Washington Middle School also went into shelter-in-place procedures.
Students were finally released around 3:45 pm. While police are actively searching for the suspect and urge anyone with information to call the tip line at 206-233-5000. As a result of this tragedy, Garfield High School will be closed Friday and Monday of next week.