What happened to Andrew Golden, one of the Westside Middle School shooters. How did his life end 21 years after the deadly attack. What were the consequences of the 1998 school shooting in Arkansas.
The Westside Middle School Shooting: A Horrific Event
On March 24, 1998, a tragic event shook the small community of Jonesboro, Arkansas. Andrew Golden, then 11 years old, and his friend Mitchell Johnson, 13, committed one of the most shocking school shootings in U.S. history at Westside Middle School. The young perpetrators set off a fire alarm and opened fire on students and teachers as they evacuated the building.
The attack resulted in the deaths of five people:
- Paige Herring, 12
- Stephanie Johnson, 12
- Brittney Varner, 11
- Natalie Brooks, 11
- Shannon Wright, teacher
Additionally, ten others were wounded in the shooting. The incident sent shockwaves through the nation, raising questions about youth violence and gun control.
Legal Proceedings and Juvenile Justice
Due to their young age at the time of the crime, Golden and Johnson were tried as juveniles. This decision had significant implications for their sentencing and future.
Juvenile Sentencing and Release
The juvenile justice system aims to rehabilitate rather than punish young offenders. In Golden and Johnson’s case, this meant:
- They were held in juvenile detention facilities until the age of 21
- Johnson was released in 2005
- Golden was released in 2007
- Their records were sealed due to their juvenile status
The release of the shooters at such a young age sparked controversy and debate about the effectiveness of the juvenile justice system in handling such severe crimes.
Life After Release: Andrew Golden’s New Identity
Upon his release, Andrew Golden took steps to distance himself from his notorious past. He changed his name to Drew Grant and moved to Missouri, attempting to start a new life away from the spotlight of his crime.
Attempts at a Normal Life
Despite his efforts to move on, Golden’s past continued to haunt him:
- In 2008, he applied for a concealed carry handgun permit in Arkansas
- His application was denied by the Arkansas State Police
- This incident brought renewed attention to his case and raised questions about gun rights for former offenders
Legal Consequences and Victim Restitution
In 2017, nearly two decades after the shooting, the legal system took further action against Golden and Johnson:
- The victims’ families were awarded $150 million in damages
- Golden and Johnson were prohibited from profiting in any way from the shooting
This ruling aimed to provide some measure of justice for the victims and their families, while also ensuring that the perpetrators could not benefit from their notoriety.
The Tragic End: Andrew Golden’s Fatal Car Crash
On July 27, 2019, Andrew Golden’s life came to an abrupt end in a car crash on Highway 167 near Cave City, Arkansas. The circumstances of the accident were as follows:
- Golden, now 33, was driving a Honda CR-V
- A Chevy Tahoe driven by Daniel Petty, 59, collided head-on with Golden’s vehicle
- Petty had swerved over the center line, a turning lane, and two northbound lanes before the crash
- Both Golden and Petty died in the collision
The accident also injured other passengers:
- Stephanie Grant, 29 (presumably Golden’s wife)
- A 2-year-old child in Golden’s car
- Kathy Tanner, 59, who was in Petty’s vehicle
Reactions to Andrew Golden’s Death
The news of Golden’s death elicited mixed reactions from the community, especially from those affected by the 1998 shooting:
Statement from the Wright Family
Mitch and Zane Wright, the husband and son of slain teacher Shannon Wright, released a poignant statement:
“The news of Andrew Golden’s death today fills our family with mixed emotions as I’m sure it does with the other families and students of the Westside shooting. Mostly sadness. Sadness for his wife and son, sadness that they too will feel the loss that we have felt.”
Their statement also expressed condolences to Golden’s family, highlighting the complex emotions surrounding the tragedy and its long-lasting impact.
Reflections on Youth Violence and Gun Control
The Westside Middle School shooting and its aftermath continue to raise important questions about youth violence, gun control, and the justice system:
- How can society prevent such tragedies from occurring?
- What role does gun access play in youth violence?
- Are current juvenile justice practices effective for serious crimes?
- How can communities heal and move forward after such traumatic events?
These questions remain relevant today, as the United States continues to grapple with the issue of school shootings and gun violence.
Legacy of the Westside Middle School Shooting
The 1998 Westside Middle School shooting left an indelible mark on the community of Jonesboro and the nation as a whole. Its impact can be seen in various ways:
Changes in School Security
The incident prompted many schools across the country to reevaluate and enhance their security measures:
- Implementation of lockdown drills
- Installation of security cameras and metal detectors
- Increased presence of school resource officers
- Development of comprehensive emergency response plans
Gun Control Debates
The shooting reignited discussions about gun control, particularly regarding youth access to firearms:
- Calls for stricter gun storage laws
- Debates on age restrictions for gun ownership and use
- Discussions about the role of gun education in preventing accidents and misuse
Mental Health Awareness
The incident also highlighted the importance of addressing mental health issues in young people:
- Increased focus on identifying and supporting at-risk youth
- Implementation of counseling and support programs in schools
- Efforts to reduce stigma surrounding mental health treatment
These ongoing discussions and initiatives demonstrate the long-lasting impact of the Westside Middle School shooting on American society.
Commemorating the Victims
In the years following the tragedy, various efforts have been made to honor the memory of those lost in the Westside Middle School shooting:
Memorial Garden
A memorial garden was established at Westside Middle School to provide a peaceful place for reflection and remembrance. The garden features:
- Five trees, representing the five lives lost
- A memorial plaque with the names of the victims
- Benches for quiet contemplation
Scholarship Funds
Several scholarship funds were created in memory of the victims, including:
- The Westside Memorial Scholarship Fund
- Individual scholarships named after each of the students who lost their lives
These scholarships aim to create something positive from the tragedy by supporting the education of future generations.
Annual Remembrance Events
The Jonesboro community continues to hold annual events to remember the victims and reflect on the impact of the shooting:
- Candlelight vigils
- Memorial services
- Community gatherings focused on healing and unity
These events serve as a reminder of the importance of community support and resilience in the face of tragedy.
The Ongoing Debate: Juvenile Justice and Serious Crimes
The case of Andrew Golden and Mitchell Johnson continues to fuel discussions about how the justice system should handle juveniles who commit serious crimes:
Arguments for Juvenile Rehabilitation
Proponents of the current system argue:
- Young offenders have a greater capacity for rehabilitation
- Harsh adult sentences may do more harm than good for society in the long run
- The focus should be on addressing underlying issues that lead to youth violence
Arguments for Stricter Sentencing
Those calling for reform argue:
- Some crimes are too severe for juvenile sentencing guidelines
- Early release of serious offenders may pose a risk to public safety
- Victims and their families deserve longer sentences for perpetrators
This ongoing debate reflects the complex nature of balancing justice, public safety, and the potential for rehabilitation in cases involving young offenders.
The Role of Media in School Shooting Coverage
The Westside Middle School shooting, like many similar tragedies, raised questions about responsible media coverage of such events:
Ethical Considerations
Media outlets face several ethical dilemmas when reporting on school shootings:
- Balancing public interest with respect for victims and their families
- Avoiding sensationalism that could inspire copycat crimes
- Protecting the privacy of minors involved in the incident
Impact on Public Perception
Media coverage can significantly influence public opinion and policy discussions:
- Shaping narratives about the causes of school shootings
- Influencing debates on gun control and school safety measures
- Affecting how communities perceive and respond to such tragedies
The evolving media landscape, including the rise of social media, continues to present new challenges and opportunities for responsible reporting on these sensitive issues.
Lessons Learned: Prevention and Intervention
The Westside Middle School shooting and similar incidents have led to increased efforts in prevention and early intervention:
Threat Assessment Programs
Many schools have implemented comprehensive threat assessment programs:
- Training staff to recognize warning signs of potential violence
- Establishing clear protocols for reporting and addressing concerns
- Collaborating with mental health professionals and law enforcement
Bullying Prevention
Recognizing the role that bullying can play in school violence, many districts have strengthened their anti-bullying initiatives:
- Implementing character education programs
- Creating peer mediation groups
- Fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect
Community Involvement
Engaging the broader community in violence prevention efforts has become a priority:
- Partnerships between schools, parents, and local organizations
- Youth mentoring programs
- Community-wide awareness campaigns about violence prevention
These multifaceted approaches aim to create safer school environments and reduce the likelihood of future tragedies.
The story of Andrew Golden, from the horrific events at Westside Middle School to his untimely death, serves as a somber reminder of the far-reaching consequences of youth violence. It continues to shape discussions about gun control, juvenile justice, and school safety, challenging society to find better ways to protect its most vulnerable members and prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
Arkansas school shooter who killed five in 1998 dies in head-on car crash
U.S. news
Andrew Golden, who changed his name to Drew Grant, and Mitchell Johnson fatally shot a teacher and four students at Westside Middle School.
By Elisha Fieldstadt
A man who was 11 when he and a friend gunned down a teacher and four students at their middle school in 1998 died Saturday in a car crash on an Arkansas highway, according to police.
Andrew Golden, 33, who had changed his name to Drew Grant and was living in Missouri, died when the driver of a Chevy Tahoe collided head-on with his Honda CR-V on Highway 167 near Cave City, about 100 miles north of Little Rock, according to state police.
The driver of the Chevy, Daniel Petty, 59 — who was driving south when he swerved over a center line, a turning lane and two northbound lanes before crashing into Grant’s Honda — also died, according to a police report.
Stephanie Grant, 29, and a 2-year-old child were in the car with Grant and were injured, the report said. Kathy Tanner, 59, who was in the car with Petty, was also injured.
Grant and Mitchell Johnson, who was 13, set off a fire alarm at Westside Middle School near Jonesboro, Arkansas, on March 24, 1998, and shot at people as they fled the building.
Paige Herring and Stephanie Johnson, both 12, Brittney Varner and Natalie Brooks, both 11, and teacher Shannon Wright were killed. Ten others were wounded.
Johnson and Golden were tried as juveniles and were released at the age of 21 in 2005 and 2007, respectively. Because they were tried as juveniles, their records were sealed.
Convicted Westside Middle School shooter Andrew Golden, 13, is escorted from a courthouse in Jonesboro, Arkanas in 2000. Golden, who legally changed his name to Drew Grant, has reportedly died in a two-vehicle crash in northeastern Arkansas, State Police said.Rodney Freeman / The Jonesboro Sun via AP
Grant applied for a concealed carry handgun permit in 2008, but his request was denied by the Arkansas State Police, according to NBC affiliate KAIT.
In 2017, the victims’ families were awarded $150 million in damages, and Grant and Johnson were prohibited from profiting in any way from the shooting.
Download the NBC News app for breaking news and politics
Wright’s husband and son, Mitch and Zane, released a statement after Grant’s death Saturday.
“The news of Andrew Golden’s death today fills our family with mixed emotions as I’m sure it does with the other families and students of the Westside shooting. Mostly sadness. Sadness for his wife and son, sadness that they too will feel the loss that we have felt,” the statement, released to KAIT, said.
“To his family, we are so sorry for your loss. We are praying that his wife and child will make a full recovery,” the statement said.
Elisha Fieldstadt
Elisha Fieldstadt is a breaking news reporter for NBC News.
Associated Press contributed.
Drew Golden – Tournament Results
| 2023 |
|---|
| Player has not played in any tournaments! |
| 2022 |
|---|
| Player has not played in any tournaments! |
| 2021 |
|---|
| New England Junior Open – Ponkapoag GC Jul 14 – Jul 15 | Ponkapoag GC – #1 Boys 14-15: 6th place: 25.  00 pts |
| NEPGA Jr. – Rockland GC #2 Jul 16 | Rockland Golf Course Boys 14-15: 1st place: 25.00 pts |
| NEPGA Jr. – Squirrel Run G&CC Aug 13 | Squirrel Run G & CC Boys 14-15: 2nd place: 20.00 pts |
| NEPGA Jr – Harmon Club Aug 16 | Harmon Boys 14-15: 1st place: 25.00 pts |
| 2020 |
|---|
| NEPGA Jr Tour – The Back Nine Club Jun 23 | The Back Nine 12-13 Boys: 1st place: 25.00 pts |
| NEPGA Jr. – Rockland GC #2 Jun 26 | Rockland Golf Course Boys 12-13: 1st place: 25.00 pts |
| NEPGA Jr – Harmon Club Jul 6 | Harmon Boys 12-13: 2nd place: 20.00 pts |
| NEPGA Jr. – Presidents GC Jul 8 | Presidents Golf Course 12-13 Boys: 2nd place: 20.00 pts |
| NEPGA Jr – Village Links GC Jul 10 | Village Links GC 12-13 Boys: 1st place: 25.  00 pts |
| NEPGA Jr. – BrooksideClub – 18hle dvsns Jul 14 | Brookside Club, The Boys 12-13: 1st place: 25.00 pts |
| New England Junior Open – Ponkapoag GC Jul 15 – Jul 16 | Ponkapoag GC – #1 Boys 12-13: 2nd place: 20.00 pts |
| NEPGA Jr – Brockton CC Jul 29 | Brockton CC Boys 12-13: 1st place: 25.00 pts |
| NEPGA Jr. – Rockland GC #3 Jul 31 | Rockland Golf Course Boys 12-13: 1st place: 25.00 pts |
| NEPGA Jr Pembroke CC Aug 5 | Pembroke CC Boys 12-13: 2nd place: 20.00 pts |
| NEPGA Jr – Little Harbor CC Aug 7 | Little Harbor Boys 12-13: 1st place: 25.00 pts |
| NEPGA Jr. – The Back Nine Club #3 Aug 11 | The Back Nine 12-13 Boys: 1st place: 25.00 pts |
| Tour Championship- Highfields Golf & CC Aug 20 | Highfields G & CC 12-13 Boys: 2nd place: 40.  00 pts |
| 2019 |
|---|
| NEPGA Jr. – Squirrel Run G&CC Jun 21 | Squirrel Run G & CC Boys 12-13: 2nd place: 20.00 pts |
| NEPGA Jr.- The Ridge Club Jun 25 | Ridge Club, The 12-13 Boys: 5th place: 14.00 pts |
| NEPGA Jr. – Rockland GC #2 Jun 28 | Rockland Golf Course Boys 12-13: 1st place: 25.00 pts |
| NEPGA Jr – Harmon Club Jul 8 | Harmon Boys 12-13: 1st place: 25.00 pts |
| NEPGA Jr. – Furnace Brook Jul 9 | Furnace Brook 12-13 Boys: 1st place: 25.00 pts |
| NEPGA Jr Tour – Hatherly CC Jul 15 | Hatherly Boys 12-13: 3rd place: 17.00 pts |
| New England Junior Open – Ponkapoag GC Jul 17 – Jul 18 | Ponkapoag GC – #1 Boys 12-13: 4th place: 15.  00 pts |
| NEPGA Jr – Brockton CC Jul 31 | Brockton CC Boys 12-13: 4th place: 15.00 pts |
| NEPGA Jr Tour – Easton CC Aug 1 | Easton CC Boys 12-13: 4th place: 14.50 pts |
| NEPGA Jr. – Rockland GC #3 Aug 2 | Rockland Golf Course Boys 12-13: 1st place: 25.00 pts |
| NEPGA Jr. Tour – George Wright GC Aug 5 | George Wright 12-13 Boys: 1st place: 25.00 pts |
| NEPGA Jr Team (2person)- S. Shore CC Aug 8 | South Shore 12-13 Boys: 2nd place: 25.00 pts |
| NEPGA Jr – Acushnet River Valley GC Aug 12 | Acushnet River Valley Boys 12-13: 2nd place: 20.00 pts |
| NEPGA Jr – Ponkapoag GC Aug 14 | Ponkapoag GC – #1 Boys 12-13: 1st place: 25.00 pts |
| 2018 |
|---|
NEPGA Jr. – Squirrel Run G&CCJun 22 | Squirrel Run G & CC Boys 11 & Under: 1st place: 25.00 pts |
| NEPGA Jr. – Rockland GC #2 Jun 29 | Rockland Golf Course Boys 11 and under(9 holers): 1st place: 25.00 pts |
| NEPGA Jr Tour – Wollaston GC Jul 2 | Wollaston GC Boys 11 and under(9 holers): 3rd place: 17.00 pts |
| NEPGA Jr – Harmon Club Jul 9 | Harmon Boys 11 and under(9 holers): 4th place: 15.00 pts |
| NEPGA Jr. – Rockland GC Aug 6 | Rockland Golf Course Boys 11 and under(9 holers): 1st place: 25.00 pts |
Bitcoin chart drew a “golden cross”, the same as two months before reaching a historical maximum – Crypto on vc.ru
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Data from Cointelegraph Markets Pro and TradingView showed that BTC/USD moved sideways during the night. Although the pair failed to gain a foothold at $23,000 as support, a potentially significant event occurred on February 6 when one of the most bullish patterns in technical analysis, the so-called “golden cross”, formed on the daily chart.
This means that the rising 50-day moving average has crossed the 200-day moving average. The last time such an event occurred on the daily charts was in September 2021, two months before the price of “cryptocurrency gold” reached its all-time high.
1-day chart BTC/USD (Bitstamp), 50 and 200MA. Source: TradingView
Some cryptanalysts are closely monitoring the situation, with Venturefounder, a member of the CryptoQuant analytics platform, claiming that Bitcoin could hit $25,000 again as a result.
“Bitcoin gold cross just arrived!” he tweeted.
“A potential correction could see BTC retest $20k (200DMA and key support) and then test $25k in a bullish scenario. If $25k becomes support, it will be the nail in the bears’ coffin.”
Annotated BTC/USD chart. Source: Venturefounder/Twitter
Nevertheless, the picture is not so rosy yet, since on higher timeframes, Bitcoin will have to overcome the figure opposite to the “golden cross”, the so-called “death cross”.
1-week chart of BTC/USD (Bitstamp), 50 and 200MA. Source: TradingView
Analysts of the monitoring resource Material Indicators are not yet sure that only one “golden cross” on the daily chart will be able to raise BTC/USD higher.
“Whether this is enough to test $25k remains to be seen,” experts say.
The accompanying order book chart on Binance shows major selling resistance at $23,500, the first major hurdle for bulls to overcome in a move higher.
Data from the BTC/USD order book (Binance). Source: Material Indicators/Twitter
Powell’s speech is the “single key factor” of the macroeconomic week
Another factor to consider when analyzing the price of bitcoin was the comments of representatives of the US Federal Reserve System.
Ahead of macro data next week, several Fed officials were scheduled to speak, with Chairman Jerome Powell’s speech expected to be the most significant in terms of impact on market dynamics.
“There’s not much going on this week, the only key factor to keep an eye on is Powell’s performance tomorrow afternoon. There may still be another wave of correction, and then we should continue the rally up, ”says part of an analysis conducted on Twitter by Cointelegraph contributor Michael van de Poppe on February 6.
Van de Poppe added that a “buy on drawdown” tactic might be a viable option for altcoins at this time.
Author: William Suberg. Source: Cointelegraph.
You can start trading and join the cryptocurrency community here.
You can also read our articles on other sites:
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