Teen shot dead at Lynnwood mall; mother reports suspect, 16

The Lynnwood Police Department (LPD) confirmed that a 13-year-old girl was shot at Alderwood Mall Wednesday night and the teen later died from her injuries.

She has been identified as Jayda Woods-Johnson, 13. Her death is being investigated as a homicide.

Two groups of teenagers were arguing near the food court around 6 p.m. when someone fired a gun, hitting the girl, LPD Deputy Chief Patrick Fagan told KIRO 7. Police said the girl was an innocent bystander.

More information on suspect and teen shot in Lynnwood

No suspects were arrested at the scene. But, according to an X-rated post by the LPD, the suspect was identified as a 16-year-old boy from Edmonds and is in custody after his mother brought him in. Earlier, the department had posted images of the suspect in several X-rated posts.

The department added that the suspect would be booked on murder charges.

At the time of the shooting, people in the mall had been ordered to take shelter. That order was lifted shortly before 7:30 p.m.

A witness said he had just left the food court when he heard what sounded like fireworks.

Other crimes in Snohomish County: Two arrested in drive-by shooting in quiet Edmonds neighborhood

In another message released late Wednesday night, the LPD said Woods-Johnson's family “requests privacy at this time.” They asked that all media contact go through the Lynnwood Police Department.

“The Lynnwood Police Department extends its deepest sympathy to Jayda’s family and friends for their unimaginable loss due to this senseless act of violence,” Fagan said in a statement, according to Lynnwood Today.

The gun has not yet been recovered. In its latest update on Wednesday night's shooting, LPD asked anyone who may know anyone involved in the crime to call 425-670-5623.

This is a developing story. Check back regularly for updates.

Contributions: KIRO 7; Steve Coogan

Bill Kaczaraba is a content writer at MyNorthwest. You can read his articles here. Follow Bill on X, formerly known as Twitter, here and send him an email here.