Tri-Cities High School steps up safety after student shot, killed; parents raise concerns

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - It was a tough Monday morning for the more than 1,500 students at Tri-Cities High School in East Point.

Classes returned after one student was shot and killed, and another one stabbed on Friday night.

Now, the school said it is stepping up safety.

“Increase the security period. Just like they have it out here now, they should’ve been had it, and it wouldn’t have happened,” said Sherita Nesbit, a parent who dropped off her daughter on Monday. “With these kids being the way they are nowadays and with this gun law effective, and it shouldn’t be, it’s terrible.”

The enhanced safety procedures now promised come after the two violent events stunned the student body at Tri-Cities High School as basketball fans were leaving the arena Friday night.

“I was sitting out on my porch and I heard one single gunshot I think, and then shortly after I heard sirens,” Morgan Henry, an East Point resident, said.

Those sirens were the sound of first responders rushing to VFW Way and Millege Street in East Point after police said they found a teen shot off campus, and another person stabbed in the school parking lot.

Police said the incidents occurred separately.

The school said both victims were students, and the victim who died was sophomore Mario Bailey.

Nesbit said her daughter had classes with Bailey.

“My daughter knew him from ROTC and around from in the halls too,” Nesbit said. “She’s sad about it because she did know of him, and she said he was a good student. He was not like wild or nothing like that. He was a great student.”

People who live nearby, have been reacting to the incidents, as well.

“Yeah, that’s terrible, definitely just thinking about those parents. That’s really bad,” Henry said.

On Saturday, the school released a statement to parents from the principal saying in part that they are increasing their weapons detection system, and safety personnel, and providing mental health resources for students grieving during this time.

While Nesbit said she hopes the school holds to its promise, she’s still taking matters into her own hands.

“I’m taking her out. That’s no questions asked after this incident, I’m definitely taking her out because you never know what may happen after this,” Nesbit said.

Those who knew Bailey said he was a committed student, working a part-time job, and he was dedicated to creating a successful future.

Atlanta News First has been speaking with Bailey’s mom who said he was her only child, and it’s the worst pain a mom could ever feel.

Neighbors are keeping both families in their prayers and hoping this doesn’t happen again.

“It’s terrible that something like this could happen or this could happen to your child,” Victoria Temple, another East Point resident, said.

While concerns run high, students and teachers will now have to shift their focus back toward learning when the opening bell rings.

East Point Police have not arrested anyone in connection to either incident as of Sunday.