11/12/2008 - We Hear The Bells Ringing for Dillard Again

Police ordered the school on lockdown at about 11:15 a.m. Wednesday, as they investigated the shooting death of 15-year-old Amanda Collette on campus. "The original call was a student went up to one of our school resource officers and said there was a female unresponsive in the hallway near the computer lab," said Fort Lauderdale Police Sgt. Frank Sousa.

Soon after, police responded to a call of another student, also 15, with a gun at a nearby Captain Crabs fast-food restaurant, who was believed to have been involved with a shooting on campus. "We have detained that female, and she is currently at the police department where she is talking to police," said Fort Lauderdale Police Sgt. Frank Sousa.

As the suspect is a minor, police have not released her identity, but her family was made aware that detectives are questioning her and charges remain pending.

Meanwhile, Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescuers transported the victim to Broward General Medical Center in critical condition. She was pronounced dead at the hospital and, after some examination, Fire Rescuers determined the girl was shot in the chest.

Broward County Schools Superintendent Jim Notter participated in a press conference soon after police confirmed the student's death at around 1 p.m. "On behalf of the school board and the school district, we are devastated, devastated, about what happened today," he said.

Notter went on to explain that a thorough investigation will be made into how this shooting occurred on campus. He also noted that the school has metal detector wands, security cameras and school resource officers to maintain security. Notter said any footage of the shooting caught by security cameras has been turned over to police to assist in the investigation.

Notter emphasized that students should feel safe on campus and added that school counselors will be provided to students in light of the traumatizing events that unfolded at their school.

Police have said the victim and shooter were involved in some sort of argument but have not released further details, pending the investigation. Homicide detectives did arrive on the scene.

Students called parents soon after police arrived on the scene to inform them of the shooting, and worried parents began showing up outside the school in droves during the brief lockdown. Students were let outside in a common area but soon returned to class while the investigation continued into what police have called an "isolated incident."

The school remained on lockdown until classes were dismissed.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• news
• dillard
• high
• school
• shooting

[mrssquiggles09]

Damn. You need to be like a motivational speaker or something. This was such a tragedyyyy. Completely unexpected. :( However, although a tragedy for us, this event was a big eye opener for manyyyy. God works in mysterious ways. Maybe things will turn around for the better because of it. WE only hope. God we are going to miss Amanda. :( WE love you honey. <3 RIP

[MagicRain505]

I hear what you say. And thanks.

[MagicRain505]

That's it. I'm deleting those comments.

[teyut88]

You lost one. I don't consider emotional killers as a lost.

[HOTGURL568]

your right it dont make sense and she was a good person always will be loved

[MagicRain505]

And music...

[aamsdhs08]

basicly is sad to see my only friend die in my face it's like a piece of me has died and it hurt me that people are puting ignorant comment when they should feel shock about what happend she was a sweet and friendly person wasnt the kind of girl to get in a lot of stuff she will always be miss=MR.FRESHMAN 2007

[BrittnyJanay]

Maybe you misunderstood my point. Thats okay, I will explain again.. Encouraging words, twards a person who is possessed with evil thoughts, that has consumed them, will not help them. Only prayer can help them.

[Reesey3]

Reading these comnts makes me feel worz than the vid does.1st,if u knw NETHING about religion,u knw that prayer is def. not the same as encouraging words.2nd,if u've never stepd ft on my campus,u need 2 STFU cuz it's obv. u hav no idea wat Dillard is lyk;yet u pass judgement,& 3rd, racism has nothing 2 do with this I'm embarassed 2 c the poison that is filling ppls' heads...ITS' SICKNING!Society needs 2 step up & put all that shit bhind us.Now Talk About That!.*Delreese=Ms Dillard 2008*

[cj3022yugioh]

This realy sucks..My high school is about 15 minutes from dillard..I cant believe some1 wuld do something like that..Just cause the girl didnt like her..All the teachers were talking to the students today about it