1997 Heath Highschool Shooting

Michael Carneal

1997

1997 Heath High School in Paducah, Kentucky

On December 1, 1997, a tragic school shooting occurred at Heath High School in West Paducah, Kentucky. Michael Carneal opened fire on a group of students participating in a morning prayer circle in the school's lobby. Carneal fired ten rounds, killing three students and injuring five others. Michael Carneal was a 14-year-old freshman at the time of the shooting. He had been bullied by other students and suffered from anxiety, depression, and severe paranoia. Following the shooting, Carneal was diagnosed with schizotypal personality disorder and dysthymia, and later with paranoid schizophrenia. He has been hospitalized several times since the start of his incarceration due to psychosis and has been taking medications for his condition

In October 1998, Carneal pleaded guilty but mentally ill to three counts of murder, five counts of attempted murder, and one count of burglary. He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 25 years. Carneal remains incarcerated at the Kentucky State Reformatory.

Victims

Nicole Hadley, 14, A freshman who played in the school band and on the basketball team. She was kept alive until 10:00 PM the evening of the shooting.

Jessica James, 17, A senior and member of the marching band. She died in surgery at Western Baptist Hospital the afternoon of the shooting.

Kayce Steger, 15, A sophomore, clarinetist in the school band, and member of the Agape Club and softball team. She died at Lourdes Hospital in Paducah about 45 minutes after the shooting.

Among the injured was Missy Jenkins Smith, who was paralyzed from the chest down. She later became an advocate for school safety and mental health awareness.