Student Opens Fire in School, Kills Principal

GODDARD, Kan. — A youth carrying a rifle opened fire in his junior high school Monday, killing the principal and wounding two teachers and a student, authorities said.

The 14-year-old student at Goddard Junior High School was taken into custody without incident about 90 minutes later and was transferred to the Sedgwick County Youth Center. Authorities recovered a rifle and a .357 magnum handgun, which police said were owned by the boy’s father.

The boy entered the school shortly before 11 a.m. and was confronted by Principal Jim McGee about carrying the weapons, Police Chief Jim Nelson said. The youth opened fire, striking McGee and a teacher, Nelson said.

The youth was identified by classmates as James Alan Kearbey. Nelson later confirmed the boy’s identity.

Went to Classroom Area

The youth then walked to a classroom area, where another teacher and a student were shot in the hallway, Nelson said. The boy then left through an intermediate school attached to the junior high and was apprehended later by a Wichita police officer.

About 10 to 12 shots were fired from the M-1A semi-automatic rifle, but it was not determined if the handgun was used, Nelson said.

“The motive we will not release at this time until we talk with the district attorney’s office,” Nelson said.

The youth was placed under arrest and was being held pending possible filing of formal charges today, County Deputy Dist. Atty. Hank Blase said.