Crime
Kaden Woodring charged with murder in shooting death of Greater Johnstown High School student Syrina Raneri
Kaden allegedly pointed the rifle at her and asked, “you know I’m playin’?,” before pulling the trigger.
Authorities in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, have released further information regarding a tragic overnight shooting that claimed the life of 17-year-old Syrina Raneri, a student at Greater Johnstown High School.
According to the Johnstown Police Department, the incident occurred late Sunday night at a residence on Sheridan Street.
Officers responded just before midnight to reports of a shooting and discovered Raneri in the basement with gunshot wounds to her upper chest and right arm. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators have charged 17-year-old Kaden Woodring with criminal homicide and aggravated assault in connection with the shooting.
According to the affidavit, witnesses reported that Woodring pointed a hunting-style rifle at Raneri and pulled the trigger. The weapon, reportedly stolen, had been brought to Woodring weeks earlier by another juvenile.
Woodring told police that Raneri was at the residence to pick up two individuals who had been socializing there. He admitted to pointing the rifle at her, asking, “You know I’m playin’?” before discharging the weapon.
After the shooting, Woodring allegedly informed a family member about the incident, briefly spoke with a 911 operator, and then fled the scene. He was later apprehended after making phone contact with law enforcement.
Authorities noted that the rifle involved in the shooting and any shell casings were missing from the scene. Police believe another juvenile removed the weapon from the residence. Efforts are ongoing to locate the firearm and piece together additional details about its origin.
Woodring is currently being held at Cambria County Prison without bail.
An autopsy on Raneri is scheduled for Tuesday to confirm the exact cause of death.
The death of Syrina Raneri has sent shockwaves through the Greater Johnstown High School community, where she was a student. Grief counselors are being made available to help students and staff process the tragedy.
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.
MILTON, VT — A veteran officer with the Milton Police Department was wounded Wednesday evening after gunfire erupted during a public safety response to a structure fire in the area of 78 Main Street, authorities confirmed.
The officer, whose name is being withheld pending notification of family, was transported under police escort by Milton Rescue to University of Vermont Medical Center, where he is currently receiving medical treatment.
According to preliminary reports, the officer was shot from behind — possibly in the back — while wearing a bulletproof vest.
Additional reports indicate the officer may have also sustained a gunshot wound to the leg.
The incident began around 7:00 p.m. when public safety officials responded to a fire at a residential structure.
During the response, a suspect opened fire, injuring the officer.
The suspect — identified as a 38-year-old male resident of Milton — is reportedly barricaded inside the residence.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that the individual is well-known to police and has a history of mental health issues.
Posts on social media reportedly attributed to the suspect mention auditory hallucinations and claims of being under mind control.
The Vermont State Police (VSP) has assumed command of the ongoing situation.
In a statement released Wednesday night, VSP confirmed this is an active emergency response involving multiple agencies, including:
- VSP Major Crime Unit
- Bureau of Criminal Investigations
- Field Force Division
- Tactical Services Unit (SWAT)
- Bomb Squad
- Crisis Negotiation Unit
Local, county, state, and federal law enforcement personnel are on site and responding.
Officials have emphasized that the situation appears contained to the immediate vicinity, but members of the public are urged to avoid the area due to the ongoing law enforcement activity.
Media inquiries are being directed to the Vermont State Police Public Information Office via email.
VSP has requested that the public and media refrain from calling local barracks or dispatch centers to ensure emergency communications remain open.
This remains a fluid and active investigation.
Further updates will be released as verified information becomes available.