Antioch High School Shooting: Victim Identified as Community Grieves Tragic Loss

Law enforcement officials are investigating a tragic shooting at Antioch High School that left three individuals injured, including the shooter. Among the victims was a 16-year-old student, identified as Josselin Corea Escalante, whose life was cut short in a senseless act of violence on January 22, 2025.

Victim and Injuries Reported

The Metro Nashville Police Department confirmed that Escalante was fatally shot in the school’s cafeteria, where the incident unfolded. Two other students were injured during the attack. A male student, who sustained a minor graze wound to his arm, was treated and released from Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The third individual injured was the shooter himself, who died at the scene after turning the gun on himself.

Josselin Escalante’s tragic death has left her family devastated. Her father, German Corea, shared his heartbreak, describing his daughter as a bright and loving young woman who excelled in school and enjoyed playing soccer. “Every day, I told her how much I loved her,” he said. “I never imagined a day where she wouldn’t come home. It’s not fair.”

Her aunt, Maria Corea, echoed these sentiments, struggling to comprehend the senseless loss. “She was sent to school to get an education and build a better future, but her life ended tragically,” she said. “She was my girl—calm, well-behaved, and full of love for her family. She had so much potential, and now she’s gone.”

Family Calls for Improved School Security

In the wake of the shooting, Escalante’s family has called on the school and the community to take action to improve security measures. They expressed doubt that meaningful change would come, lamenting the repetitive cycle of school shootings across the nation.

Antioch High School held a candlelight vigil on the evening of January 22 to honor Josselin’s memory, with students, teachers, and community members gathering to mourn the loss of a bright young life. The vigil served as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for enhanced safety in schools.

Shooter Identified; Investigation Underway

Authorities have identified the shooter as 17-year-old Solomon Henderson, an active student at Antioch High School. According to police reports, Henderson entered the cafeteria and began firing before ultimately taking his own life. The two school resource officers assigned to the campus responded swiftly, but they were located in a different part of the building and arrived moments after Henderson’s fatal act.

Police are now investigating Henderson’s background, including concerning social media posts and writings that may provide insight into his motive. However, Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake confirmed that, so far, no clear connection has been found between the shooter and his victims. “It may be that they were struck by his random gunfire in the cafeteria,” Chief Drake stated.

Local, state, and federal agencies are collaborating to piece together the events leading up to the shooting. Chief Drake extended his condolences to the Antioch High School community, pledging the police department’s support in the healing process. “On behalf of this entire police department, I extend our deep condolences to Antioch High students, parents, and staff,” he said. “Our officers and counselors will work to be part of the healing process in the days and weeks ahead.”

School Closure and Grief Support

Dr. Adrienne Battle, director of Metro Nashville Public Schools, expressed her sorrow for the tragedy and its impact on the community. In a statement, she announced that Antioch High School would remain closed for the rest of the week to allow students and staff time to grieve.

“I want to thank the school staff who quickly and heroically followed emergency protocols, potentially preventing further harm, as well as the Metro Nashville Police Department and Nashville Fire Department for their swift and urgent response,” Battle stated.

Dr. Battle also emphasized the district’s commitment to understanding how and why this tragedy occurred, vowing to take measures to prevent such incidents in the future. “It’s important to remember that our schools have historically been safe places for learning, friendship, and growth,” she said. “We cannot allow this tragedy to overshadow the positive experiences of our 80,000 students.”

Grief counseling and support services have been made available to the students, staff, and families affected by the incident. Dr. Battle encouraged the entire community to come together in the aftermath of the shooting, underscoring the importance of unity during this challenging time. “Our students, staff, counselors, and the Nashville community must navigate these days and weeks ahead as one,” she added.

A Call for Action and Healing

The Antioch High School shooting is a painful reminder of the persistent issue of gun violence in schools. As the community mourns the loss of Josselin Escalante, her family’s call for improved security measures serves as a rallying cry for meaningful change. Meanwhile, authorities continue their investigation into the motives behind this devastating act, hoping to provide answers and closure to those affected.

The community remains united in grief and determination, vowing to honor Josselin’s memory by working toward a safer future for all students. Her life, full of promise and love, will not be forgotten.