Jayda Medrano Moore, 16-year-old student, shot dead near DuVal High School, $20k raised on GoFundMe

Posted by Martina Birk on Monday, September 9, 2024

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. (WJLA) — A heartbreaking incident unfolded as a 16-year-old girl, identified as Jayda Medrano Moore, lost her life while walking home from DuVal High School. In a selfless act of bravery, Jayda sacrificed herself to protect her younger brother during a tragic shooting incident.

Jayda was a dedicated basketball player for DuVal High School and had dreams of making it to the WNBA, a testament to her talent and ambition. Her father, Glendon Reid, spoke fondly of his daughter, describing her as a very intelligent and compassionate young lady, a true team player who loved the sport.

The fateful incident occurred shortly after school let out, around 3:45 p.m., just one block away from DuVal High. According to multiple sources, Jayda stepped in to shield her younger brother from a group of masked teenagers who appeared to be lying in wait for him. She bravely attempted to defuse a confrontation that was unfolding when one of the teens struck her with a gun and then fired a single shot.

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Glendon Reid, Jayda’s grieving father, described the heart-wrenching moment when it appeared that she had willingly jumped in front of a bullet to save her brother’s life.

The tragic incident has cast a shadow over the high school, prompting a heavy police presence both on and around the campus. Students and teachers alike are grappling with the profound sorrow of losing a bright and promising young soul. Grief counselors have been called in to help students and staff cope with the devastating loss.

“Dozens of people are gathered for a candlelight vigil for Jayda Medrano-Moore, the 16-year-old girl who was shot and killed near DuVal High School yesterday,” reports says.

Despite the presence of witnesses during the shooting, the police have yet to make any arrests and are actively seeking to identify both the assailants and the shooter. Deputy Chief Zach O’Lare expressed the determination of law enforcement to bring the perpetrator to justice, emphasizing the senseless nature of the crime that took the life of a teenager in broad daylight.

Jayda Medrano-Moore’s untimely death, just 13 days before her 17th birthday, has left her family, friends, and community in mourning. Her father has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for her funeral services, emphasizing that she was an innocent bystander with a promising future.

‘Uvalde Foundation For Kids’ suggest for donation as a GoFundMe page is originated by Glendon Reid with teh target of $20,000. It wrote,

“Hi my name is Glendon, I’m seeking to raise money for the burial of my 16 year old daughter Jayda Medrano Moore, who was killed today 9/11 after leaving school. Jayda, was a student and basketball player at DuVal High School, with aspirations of becoming a WNBA player. Loved by her coaches, fellow students, family & friends. She was so excited about turning 17, on Sept 24th. My family & I are grieving her tragic death. We are so appreciative for any donations to help pay for funeral home expenses and burial. I am deeply saddened by my daughter’s loss and wished it was just a bad dream.May Jayda Medrano Moore R.I.P”.

The tragedy has also sparked efforts in the community to enhance safety during school dismissal times. The Uvalde Foundation for Kids is organizing a citizen watch patrol called STOP NOW Volunteer School Patrols to monitor the area around the school and ensure the safety of students.

A reward of $25,000 is being offered by PGPD for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual responsible for the fatal shooting of Jayda Medrano-Moore.

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