A 15-year-old boy is facing adult charges after allegedly shooting and killing a classmate during a fight that stemmed from a minor hallway altercation at Oak Ridge High School.
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to Vogt-Meloon Park on West Oak Ridge Road around 2:45 p.m. on October 9, where they found 16-year-old Pinien Dalmacy suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but later pronounced dead.
Investigators identified the suspect as Jacori Antonio Redding, 15, who they say became angry earlier that day when Dalmacy accidentally bumped into him at school and refused to apologize. Redding allegedly challenged Dalmacy to a fight at a nearby park, where the situation escalated into deadly violence.
Witnesses told detectives that Redding taunted Dalmacy and flashed gang signs as they walked to the park. During the fight, Dalmacy reportedly punched Redding first before Redding pulled a gun and shot him. Deputies said the shooting was captured on video, corroborating witness statements.
After the incident, Redding allegedly returned to the school, where deputies confronted and arrested him. The firearm believed to have been used in the shooting was found inside his backpack.
Redding is being charged with manslaughter, possession of a firearm on school property, and possession of a firearm by a minor. Prosecutors have confirmed he will be tried as an adult.
Court documents reveal Redding had a lengthy disciplinary history, with nearly 40 behavioral incidents, about half involving fighting. He was also reportedly out on bond for grand theft of a motor vehicle at the time of the shooting.
A text message sent by Redding two months prior indicated he had previously expressed an intent to use a gun in a fight, investigators said.
He is currently being held at the Orange County Jail without bond as the case moves forward.