Zoe Galasso
School Shooting Incident
CLASSIFICATION: Mass Murder
LOCATION
Marysville, Washington
TIME PERIOD
October 24, 2014
VICTIMS
5 confirmed
On October 24, 2014, at approximately 10:39 a.m., 15-year-old Jaylen Fryberg opened fire in the cafeteria of Marysville Pilchuck High School in Marysville, Washington, targeting a group of friends. Fryberg shot five students, fatally wounding four—Zoe Galasso, Gia Soriano, Shaylee Chuckulnaskit, and Andrew Fryberg—before committing suicide. The incident, which lasted only a few minutes, was preceded by Fryberg sending a group text message to his family and the victims' families, expressing remorse and outlining funeral plans. In 2015, Fryberg's father, Raymond Fryberg, was arrested and later convicted for illegally purchasing and possessing the firearm used in the shooting. The case remains a significant event in Washington state history, marking the deadliest school shooting in the state.
Investigators and the public speculate that Jaylen Fryberg's motivations for the shooting may have stemmed from personal issues, including feelings of betrayal and social isolation. Some believe that the choice of victims—friends he had invited to lunch—indicates a targeted attack rather than a random act of violence. Additionally, there is speculation about the role of mental health and access to firearms, particularly concerning Fryberg's father's illegal purchase of the gun used in the shooting.
The Tragedy at Marysville Pilchuck High School
On a seemingly ordinary Friday morning, October 24, 2014, the halls of Marysville Pilchuck High School in Marysville, Washington, echoed with a chilling silence following a devastating event. At 10:39 a.m., the tranquility of the school cafeteria was shattered by the sound of gunfire. Jaylen Ray Fryberg, a 15-year-old freshman, had invited his friends to join him for lunch, but what unfolded was a scene of unimaginable horror.
Prelude to Tragedy
Jaylen Fryberg, a student known for his involvement in wrestling and football, had sent a series of text messages to his friends, urging them to meet him. Unbeknownst to them, he was orchestrating a plan that would end in tragedy. Just moments before the shooting, Fryberg sent a group text message to his family and the families of his intended victims, expressing remorse for what he was about to do and detailing his funeral preferences.
As lunch commenced, Fryberg sat separately from his friends. At 10:39 a.m., he rose, approached their table, and, following a brief altercation, drew a .40-caliber Beretta Px4 Storm Subcompact handgun. With calm precision, he fired eight shots at his friends, targeting them with a chilling blank stare.
A Scene of Devastation
The cafeteria, bustling with approximately 150 students, descended into chaos. Five students were struck by Fryberg's bullets, each shot once in the head. Among the victims were his close friends: Zoë Galasso, Gia Soriano, Shaylee Chuckulnaskit, his cousin Andrew Fryberg, and Nate Hatch. Tragically, Zoë Galasso was killed instantly, while others succumbed to their injuries in the days that followed.
Amidst the chaos, Megan Silberberger, a courageous first-year social studies teacher, attempted to intervene, trying to subdue Fryberg as he possibly attempted to reload. However, Fryberg ended his own life with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Initial reports suggested Silberberger's actions inadvertently led to Fryberg's death, but later clarifications by law enforcement confirmed that she did not physically touch him before his suicide.
The Aftermath and Investigation
In the immediate aftermath, law enforcement and emergency services responded swiftly. A school resource officer, the first to arrive, confirmed the presence of multiple victims and the identity of the shooter. As the school went into lockdown, some students fled, seeking refuge in nearby homes, while others remained hidden until authorities evacuated the building.
In the days following the tragedy, the Marysville community grappled with the loss and sought answers. The shooting was the deadliest school shooting in Washington state history, leaving the community in mourning. Classes were canceled for the following week, and the cafeteria, a grim reminder of the event, was demolished and replaced with a grass lawn.
The Gun and Its Origins
The gun used by Fryberg was traced back to his father, Raymond Lee Fryberg Jr. In 2015, he was arrested for illegally purchasing five firearms, including the Beretta used in the shooting. Despite a protective order from 2002 that barred him from owning firearms, Raymond had purchased the weapons between January 2013 and July 2014. He was convicted and sentenced to two years in prison for firearm offenses.
Remembering the Victims
The lives lost on that fateful day were mourned deeply. Fourteen-year-old Zoë Galasso, Gia Soriano, and Shaylee Chuckulnaskit, along with 15-year-old Andrew Fryberg, were all killed. Nate Hatch, another cousin of Fryberg, survived a gunshot wound to the jaw and was discharged from the hospital after undergoing surgery.
In the wake of the tragedy, the community came together to honor the victims. A memorial service for Fryberg was held on the Tulalip Indian Reservation, attended by hundreds. On the shooting's tenth anniversary, a memorial walk in Marysville commemorated those lost.
The Perpetrator
Jaylen Fryberg, a member of the Tulalip tribe, was described as a generally happy and well-liked student. However, he had been struggling with personal issues, including a recent suspension from school and the football team following a fight. Social media posts leading up to the shooting revealed an emotional and troubled state of mind. Fryberg's motivations remain unclear, though it was suggested that a romantic rejection and subsequent disputes with friends contributed to his actions.
Community and National Reactions
The shooting prompted reactions from local and national figures. Washington State Senator John McCoy, also a member of the Tulalip tribe, expressed the community's collective grief. Governor Jay Inslee declared November 3 as "Red and White Day" in honor of Marysville Pilchuck High's colors, urging residents to show their support. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan highlighted the urgent need to address gun violence, emphasizing its tragic impact on schools.
The Tulalip tribe denounced Fryberg's actions, making clear that his horrific act was not representative of the tribe. Support poured in from across the nation, with the Seattle Seahawks honoring the victims through decals and moments of silence during games.
Moving Forward
The Marysville Pilchuck High School shooting left an indelible mark on the community and the nation. As investigators released over 2,200 pages of documents detailing the event, the search for understanding continued. Through memorials and collective healing, the Marysville community strives to remember the lives lost and work towards a future where such tragedies are no longer a reality.
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School Shooting Occurs
Jaylen Fryberg opens fire in the cafeteria, killing four students and then himself.
First Victim Dies
Zoë Galasso, 14, is pronounced dead at the scene from a gunshot wound.
Second Victim Dies
Gia Soriano, 14, succumbs to her injuries in the hospital.
Third Victim Dies
Shaylee Chuckulnaskit, 14, dies from her injuries a week after the shooting.
Fourth Victim Dies
Andrew Fryberg, 15, dies from his injuries, making him the fourth fatality.
Father Arrested
Raymond Fryberg is arrested for illegally purchasing the gun used in the shooting.
Father Convicted
Raymond Fryberg is found guilty of illegal firearm possession related to the shooting.
Father Sentenced
Raymond Fryberg is sentenced to two years in prison for firearm offenses.
Memorial Walk
A memorial walk is held to honor the victims on the tenth anniversary of the shooting.
On October 24, 2014, at approximately 10:39 a.m., 15-year-old Jaylen Fryberg opened fire in the cafeteria of Marysville Pilchuck High School in Marysville, Washington, targeting a group of friends. Fryberg shot five students, fatally wounding four—Zoe Galasso, Gia Soriano, Shaylee Chuckulnaskit, and Andrew Fryberg—before committing suicide. The incident, which lasted only a few minutes, was preceded by Fryberg sending a group text message to his family and the victims' families, expressing remorse and outlining funeral plans. In 2015, Fryberg's father, Raymond Fryberg, was arrested and later convicted for illegally purchasing and possessing the firearm used in the shooting. The case remains a significant event in Washington state history, marking the deadliest school shooting in the state.
Investigators and the public speculate that Jaylen Fryberg's motivations for the shooting may have stemmed from personal issues, including feelings of betrayal and social isolation. Some believe that the choice of victims—friends he had invited to lunch—indicates a targeted attack rather than a random act of violence. Additionally, there is speculation about the role of mental health and access to firearms, particularly concerning Fryberg's father's illegal purchase of the gun used in the shooting.
The Tragedy at Marysville Pilchuck High School
On a seemingly ordinary Friday morning, October 24, 2014, the halls of Marysville Pilchuck High School in Marysville, Washington, echoed with a chilling silence following a devastating event. At 10:39 a.m., the tranquility of the school cafeteria was shattered by the sound of gunfire. Jaylen Ray Fryberg, a 15-year-old freshman, had invited his friends to join him for lunch, but what unfolded was a scene of unimaginable horror.
Prelude to Tragedy
Jaylen Fryberg, a student known for his involvement in wrestling and football, had sent a series of text messages to his friends, urging them to meet him. Unbeknownst to them, he was orchestrating a plan that would end in tragedy. Just moments before the shooting, Fryberg sent a group text message to his family and the families of his intended victims, expressing remorse for what he was about to do and detailing his funeral preferences.
As lunch commenced, Fryberg sat separately from his friends. At 10:39 a.m., he rose, approached their table, and, following a brief altercation, drew a .40-caliber Beretta Px4 Storm Subcompact handgun. With calm precision, he fired eight shots at his friends, targeting them with a chilling blank stare.
A Scene of Devastation
The cafeteria, bustling with approximately 150 students, descended into chaos. Five students were struck by Fryberg's bullets, each shot once in the head. Among the victims were his close friends: Zoë Galasso, Gia Soriano, Shaylee Chuckulnaskit, his cousin Andrew Fryberg, and Nate Hatch. Tragically, Zoë Galasso was killed instantly, while others succumbed to their injuries in the days that followed.
Amidst the chaos, Megan Silberberger, a courageous first-year social studies teacher, attempted to intervene, trying to subdue Fryberg as he possibly attempted to reload. However, Fryberg ended his own life with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Initial reports suggested Silberberger's actions inadvertently led to Fryberg's death, but later clarifications by law enforcement confirmed that she did not physically touch him before his suicide.
The Aftermath and Investigation
In the immediate aftermath, law enforcement and emergency services responded swiftly. A school resource officer, the first to arrive, confirmed the presence of multiple victims and the identity of the shooter. As the school went into lockdown, some students fled, seeking refuge in nearby homes, while others remained hidden until authorities evacuated the building.
In the days following the tragedy, the Marysville community grappled with the loss and sought answers. The shooting was the deadliest school shooting in Washington state history, leaving the community in mourning. Classes were canceled for the following week, and the cafeteria, a grim reminder of the event, was demolished and replaced with a grass lawn.
The Gun and Its Origins
The gun used by Fryberg was traced back to his father, Raymond Lee Fryberg Jr. In 2015, he was arrested for illegally purchasing five firearms, including the Beretta used in the shooting. Despite a protective order from 2002 that barred him from owning firearms, Raymond had purchased the weapons between January 2013 and July 2014. He was convicted and sentenced to two years in prison for firearm offenses.
Remembering the Victims
The lives lost on that fateful day were mourned deeply. Fourteen-year-old Zoë Galasso, Gia Soriano, and Shaylee Chuckulnaskit, along with 15-year-old Andrew Fryberg, were all killed. Nate Hatch, another cousin of Fryberg, survived a gunshot wound to the jaw and was discharged from the hospital after undergoing surgery.
In the wake of the tragedy, the community came together to honor the victims. A memorial service for Fryberg was held on the Tulalip Indian Reservation, attended by hundreds. On the shooting's tenth anniversary, a memorial walk in Marysville commemorated those lost.
The Perpetrator
Jaylen Fryberg, a member of the Tulalip tribe, was described as a generally happy and well-liked student. However, he had been struggling with personal issues, including a recent suspension from school and the football team following a fight. Social media posts leading up to the shooting revealed an emotional and troubled state of mind. Fryberg's motivations remain unclear, though it was suggested that a romantic rejection and subsequent disputes with friends contributed to his actions.
Community and National Reactions
The shooting prompted reactions from local and national figures. Washington State Senator John McCoy, also a member of the Tulalip tribe, expressed the community's collective grief. Governor Jay Inslee declared November 3 as "Red and White Day" in honor of Marysville Pilchuck High's colors, urging residents to show their support. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan highlighted the urgent need to address gun violence, emphasizing its tragic impact on schools.
The Tulalip tribe denounced Fryberg's actions, making clear that his horrific act was not representative of the tribe. Support poured in from across the nation, with the Seattle Seahawks honoring the victims through decals and moments of silence during games.
Moving Forward
The Marysville Pilchuck High School shooting left an indelible mark on the community and the nation. As investigators released over 2,200 pages of documents detailing the event, the search for understanding continued. Through memorials and collective healing, the Marysville community strives to remember the lives lost and work towards a future where such tragedies are no longer a reality.
Sources
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
School Shooting Occurs
Jaylen Fryberg opens fire in the cafeteria, killing four students and then himself.
First Victim Dies
Zoë Galasso, 14, is pronounced dead at the scene from a gunshot wound.
Second Victim Dies
Gia Soriano, 14, succumbs to her injuries in the hospital.
Third Victim Dies
Shaylee Chuckulnaskit, 14, dies from her injuries a week after the shooting.
Fourth Victim Dies
Andrew Fryberg, 15, dies from his injuries, making him the fourth fatality.
Father Arrested
Raymond Fryberg is arrested for illegally purchasing the gun used in the shooting.
Father Convicted
Raymond Fryberg is found guilty of illegal firearm possession related to the shooting.
Father Sentenced
Raymond Fryberg is sentenced to two years in prison for firearm offenses.
Memorial Walk
A memorial walk is held to honor the victims on the tenth anniversary of the shooting.