Newton Elementary shooting Update

An investigation is continuing after two students were involved in an accidental shooting leaving one of them injured. 6-year-old Tylin Parker was shot after a gun discharged from another student’s backpack. Parker was airlifted to a hospital in Jackson where he underwent surgery this morning.

Newton Police Chief Randy Patrick updated us on the 6-year-old’s condition stating that he spoke with the mother who said the child will have to have a metal rod inserted and is up against a long recovery. The chief added that the child is in good spirits.

The incident happened just before school was about to end. How the child got the gun is still in question.

We spoke with a local gun shop, Garrett's Sports Center, that was shocked about the shooting, stating that an incident like this was unheard of during his time

“That child should have never had a handgun at school", said C.W. Garrett. "I’ve never in my life seen anything as it is today. When I was going to school, you never heard of this kind of stuff ever.”

The gun store, also stressed the importance of gun safety around children.

“It’s very important to keep guns away from children. You need a gun safe of some kind or a lockbox that needs to be put up.” - C.W. Garrett

The school district was contacted for a statement but did not respond.

More updates as we receive information.