Crime
“Mom, I’m Okay”: 17-year-old Jael Anna Marie Texts Mother After Shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison
The Smiths revealed they knew the victims of the shooting—a teacher and a student—but chose not to disclose their identities out of respect.
“Mom, I’m okay.” That was the reassuring text Rebekah Smith received from her 17-year-old daughter Jael Anna Marie on Monday following the tragic shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin.
On Tuesday, Rebekah shared her experience, explaining that she wasn’t initially aware of the incident. When she finally checked her phone, she found “no less than 50 texts,” including the crucial message from her daughter.
“Immediately, you feel a pit in your stomach,” said James Smith, Rebekah’s husband. “You’re wondering, what does this mean for my child? You plan for these things, and you don’t want to, but it’s the world we live in today.”
The Smiths revealed they knew the victims of the shooting—a teacher and a student—but chose not to disclose their identities out of respect.
Rebekah reflected on the teacher’s dedication, saying, “That particular teacher would have done anything for those kids. She loved her school, loved her kids, and loved teaching.”
“They were beautiful lights, beautiful souls,” James added.
Rebekah, who regularly volunteers at the school, described the safety protocols in place, noting it typically takes her about five minutes to be allowed into the building.
“There are measures in place, and everyone works hard to keep the students safe,” she said.
The Smiths emphasized that the close-knit community is leaning on one another as they grapple with the aftermath of the shooting.
In a separate statement on Tuesday, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes issued a clarification regarding earlier reports about a 911 call during the incident.
While initial information suggested the call came from a second-grade student, Barnes corrected himself, stating that the call was actually made by a second-grade teacher.
“I’d like to provide an important clarification. Yesterday, after reviewing the computer-aided dispatch system, it appeared that a call came from a second grader. In reality, the call was made by a second-grade teacher,” Chief Barnes explained. “That was a mistake, and I take full responsibility. I sincerely apologize.”
The community remains united, focusing on supporting one another while honoring the memory of the victims and the bravery shown during the tragic event.
Jackson, Miss. – Authorities are investigating a violent assault and attempted robbery that took place in the stadium parking lot of the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC).
The incident occurred as the victim, identified as Morgan McGuire, was leaving work.
McGuire reported that she was approached by a stranger who initially demanded money.
However, despite her verbal and physical attempts to surrender her purse, the attacker ignored her offer and proceeded to assault her.
“He asked for my money, so I verbally and physically offered him my purse, but he ignored me. He threw me to the ground and kept beating me,” McGuire recalled.
During the assault, she was punched, choked, and thrown to the ground while her attacker repeatedly threatened to shoot her.
Although the suspect demanded her purse, McGuire noted that the attack did not appear to be motivated by robbery alone.
The assault only ended when a passerby intervened, which McGuire described as occurring “after what felt like forever.”
UMMC confirmed that the UMMC Police Department, in coordination with Capitol Police, is actively investigating the attack.
“We take seriously the safety of everyone on our campus and will continue to work with our partners, including Capitol Police and other law enforcement, to uphold this commitment,” UMMC stated.
Authorities have not yet released a description of the suspect, and it remains unclear whether any arrests have been made.
Officials urge anyone with information to come forward as the investigation continues.