On Friday, Royta Giles, a student at Jonesboro Elementary School in Bessemer, was killed in a shooting at the Riverchase Galleria in Hoover, Alabama.
Giles, who had just finished up the second grade, was described as being “bright, articulate, and very convincing,” by Van James, a former assistant principal.
“Our hearts are simply broken at the tragic loss of Royta,” Dr. Autumn Jeter, Bessemer City Schools Superintendent said in a statement. “We are here for the family in every way possible, and we ask that everyone lifts the mother, family, and our school community in your prayers. This is tough.”
Friday evening, Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato visited Giles’ parents.
“This was just a very senseless tragedy, and of course they are devastated by this,” Brocato said.
According to People, three others (2 adults and one child) were also injured in the shooting. There has been no update in their conditions.
Riverchase Galleria immediately closed after the shooting and in a statement announced it would also be closed Saturday — the 4th.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic, senseless incident that took place in our shopping center this afternoon. Riverchase Galleria was evacuated immediately and will remain closed while the Hoover Police Department conducts their investigation,” the statement read.
There are currently no leads to what led to the shooting.
