Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Franklin City Public Schools released a statement Thursday afternoon, Aug. 10, in connection with the death of a 10-year-old boy who was a student within the division.

The Franklin Police Department reported Wednesday, Aug. 9, that a 10-year-old male child was one of two victims suffering from life-threatening injuries following a shooting incident in the city. Both victims were taken to the hospital. The adult victim survived, but the boy ultimately succumbed to his injuries.

The FCPS statement was addressed to family and friends of the school division:

“As you might already be aware, there has been a tragic death of one of our young students, which happened mid-afternoon on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023, in Franklin. 

“The Franklin City Police Department is actively investigating this matter.”

The FPD identified an at-large suspect and have secured warrants against Tashawnda Nicole Drayton, 24, who is described as a Black female, 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing 250 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. An alias associated with Drayton is “Brazy.” Police said Drayton is believed to be armed and dangerous.

The FCPS statement indicated that the division is providing mental health services in the form of counseling at all schools for students and families through 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 10.

“Our hearts are deeply saddened by this tragic loss, and we ask that everyone come together to  support the bereaved family at this time,” FCPS officials said. 

Those with questions are asked to contact the FCPS Central Office at 757-569-8111, or after 4:30 p.m., Dr. Tanieka Ricks, director of gifted and pupil personnel, at 1-434-506-0255, or tricks@fcpsva.org.

The FPD is holding a series of “cop pop-up” events for children called “Keeping up with the Kids.” The department had been scheduled to hold one of these events from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 10, at Hunterdale Christian Church, but it was canceled.

In a Thursday morning post on its Facebook page, the FPD stated that “out of respect to the family and community on the tragic loss we suffered yesterday, we are not having our children’s event tonight in Hunterdale.”