WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — A shooting near Reynolds High School that left a student injured is still under investigation with no arrests at this time. However, on Wednesday, Forsyth County District Attorney Jim O’Neill alluded to North Carolina's new "Raise the Age" law and its potential impact on the case.
The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that they are actively looking for a person or persons of interest in the case but noted that no one is in custody at this time. Investigators have not released details about any suspects or suspect descriptions, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
District Attorney Jim O’Neill pointed to recent changes in state law that could lead to harsher consequences for the shooter if they are apprehended. Effective December 1, the amendment to the "Raise the Age" law mandates that 16- and 17-year-olds be charged as adults for Class A through E felonies, including crimes like shootings, homicides, stabbings, and armed robberies.
"If anybody were to commit a violent crime on those campuses, I can promise you as I have in the past, the punishment will be swift and severe. We will keep our school system safe here," said O’Neill.
The law, passed in June and enacted earlier this month, shifts serious crimes committed by older teens out of juvenile court and into the adult legal system, potentially leading to longer sentences and more significant consequences.
The shooting near Reynolds High School highlights the type of violent incidents that the revised law seeks to address. According to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, juvenile arrests have been on the rise in recent years, raising concerns about the justice system's capacity to deter violent crimes committed by minors.
While the investigation continues, O’Neill reaffirmed his office’s commitment to ensuring the safety of schools and pursuing justice for those who endanger students.
This shooting, while a stark reminder of the risks some students face, also underscores the potential impact of legal reforms designed to hold young offenders accountable for serious crimes.