Teen killed in Antioch High School shooting identified

A shooting at Antioch High School in Nashville claimed the life of 16-year-old Josselin Corea Escalante on January 22, 2025, leaving her family, friends, and community heartbroken. Two other students were injured in the incident, and the shooter, a 17-year-old student, took his own life shortly after.

What happened at Antioch High School

The shooting occurred in the school cafeteria during lunchtime. Josselin Corea Escalante, a bright and beloved soccer player, was fatally wounded, while two other students were also shot. One suffered a graze wound and was treated at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

The shooter, identified as 17-year-old Solomon Henderson, ended his life at the scene. School resource officers responded quickly but arrived moments after the tragedy unfolded. Investigators are still searching for a motive, as Henderson’s connection to the victims remains unclear.

Authorities are now reviewing Henderson’s social media and online activity while working with local and federal agencies to understand the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

A family shattered by grief

Josselin’s father, German Corea, expressed his devastation, saying, “Every day I told her how much I loved her.” Heartbroken over the unimaginable loss, he added, “It’s not fair.”

Josselin’s aunt shared similar grief, recalling the bright future her niece had ahead of her. “Oh God. She was my girl. She was a very calm girl and well-behaved. She had good grades in school. She was a girl who loved her parents and all her family,” she said tearfully.

Josselin’s family has since called for the school to enhance its security measures. However, they remain skeptical that real change will follow, noting that school shootings have become far too common.

Antioch High School held a vigil on the night of the shooting to honor Josselin and support her grieving family.

Statements from officials

Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake offered his condolences to the Antioch High School community, saying, “On behalf of this entire police department, I extend our deep condolences to Antioch High students, parents, and staff. Our officers and counselors will work to be part of the healing process in the days and weeks ahead.”

Dr. Adrienne Battle, Metro Nashville Public Schools’ director, also expressed her sympathy and announced that the school would remain closed for the week to allow students and staff time to grieve. She commended the swift actions of school staff and emergency responders, saying, “I want to thank the school staff who quickly and heroically followed emergency protocols, potentially preventing further harm, as well as the Metro Nashville Police Department and Nashville Fire Department for their swift and urgent response.”

Dr. Battle emphasized the need to support students and staff during this time, adding, “It’s important to remember that our schools have historically been safe places for learning, friendship, and growth. We cannot allow this tragedy to overshadow the positive experiences of our 80,000 students.”

She also promised to work toward understanding the reasons behind the tragedy and pledged to enhance safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Seeking solutions to prevent future tragedies

While families and officials work through the grief, questions about school safety have resurfaced. Josselin’s family has urged schools to strengthen security measures, hoping to prevent future tragedies. Yet, many worry that, like past shootings, this incident may fade from public attention without meaningful change.

For now, the focus remains on healing. Antioch High School has pledged to provide counseling and resources for students, staff, and families affected by the tragedy.

Help is available

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “help” to 741-741, or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org for support.

This heartbreaking event serves as a stark reminder of the need for increased attention to school safety, mental health, and community support. As Nashville comes together to mourn Josselin’s loss, the hope is that her story will inspire change and prevent future tragedies.