WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (Ghost Studios) – A peaceful Wednesday afternoon quickly turned chaotic as police were speeding down the roads, followed by a helicopter, all headed towards one destination. Fear began to set in for families as the unthinkable happened when gunfire randomly erupted from Warner Robins High School.
Multiple law enforcement agencies arrived on the scene at 401 South Davis Drive at 2:15 p.m. where they found a ninth grader suffering from a single bullet wound.
During a press conference, later that same day on August 12, 2026, Houston County Sheriff Matt Moulton explained the scary situation.
“What we know so far is there was a group of students inside the bathroom and a verbal altercation took place between two of the students,” said Moulton. “That verbal altercation quickly escalated into a physical altercation and at some point in time a firearm was brandished by one of the students and he shot another student and then fled the school on foot in an unknown direction.”
Later identified as 14-year-old Denzelle Willis Jr., also a ninth grader at Warner Robins High School, he was apprehended at 3:20 p.m. in the Huntington Hills neighborhood across from the school.
Moulton says the School Resource Deputy Cody Nelson reacted immediately and rendered aid to the student until emergency medical services arrived taking him to the hospital.
“The school threat protocol and our training was followed perfectly today and fortunately what could have been a much worse incident was minimized to us only having one student injured,” said Moulton.
Moulton also said his and all of the Sheriff’s Office prayers are with the family.
According to local news outlets, Thursday afternoon, August 13th, Willis Jr. made his first court appearance where Houston County Superior Court Judge Katherine Lumsden denied bond and Houston County District Attorney Eric Edwards said he will be tried as an adult and indicted him with five charges, aggravated assault with a firearm, theft by receiving stolen property, disrupting the operation of a public school, carrying a weapon in a school safety zone and underage possession of a handgun.
That same night, the City of Warner Robins shared a press release on the situation.
“What happened yesterday does not define us. We have a responsibility to learn from what happened, and we must identify where we can do better. Moving forward we must have honest conversations about how we prioritize the safety of our children. The City of Warner Robins Government is ready and willing to engage with our school system and community partners on real solutions,” said Warner Robins Mayor LaRhonda Patrick. “Complacency is acceptance and this moment demands more than our thoughts and prayers; it requires shared commitment and open dialogue to ensure every child can learn in a safe environment. Our children deserve nothing less.”
“Warner Robins and Houston County demonstrated what it means to be a unified public safety family. Resources can become stretched quickly during a critical incident, and the support provided by our sister agencies allowed officers to focus on securing the school, locating the offender, and providing lifesaving care,” said Warner Robins Chief of Police Wayne Fisher. “I am humbled by the courage of the men and women who respond and put themselves in harm’s way to protect others. I am equally grateful for every partner who stands beside the Warner Robins Police Department. We were Warner Robins/Houston County Strong.”
“Our firefighters and emergency personnel were honored to support our law enforcement partners and the Warner Robins High School community. Sometimes the most important things we do are behind the scenes. That may look like providing resources, securing roadways, protecting access points, and creating the space our law enforcement partners need to do their jobs,” said Warner Robins Fire Department Chief Albert Wright. “This response was a true example of teamwork, and I am incredibly proud of the men and women who answered the call.”
Houston County School District decided to close the High School for students until Monday, August 17th and Friday evening, August 14th, the District released a video update featuring Dr. Brett Wallace, Principal of Warner Robins High School and Dr. Richard Rogers, Superintendent of Schools for Houston County School District, who both say there will be increased security measures in place immediately.
“I also recognized that returning to school may be difficult for some of our students,” said Dr. Wallace. “Our district’s crisis support team will be here to support any student or staff member who needs someone to talk with. We understand that students learn best when they know they are in a safe environment surrounded by adults who care about them and want what’s best for them.”
“As parents and community members you are asking an important question, what more can we do to prevent a weapon from entering our schools,” said Dr. Rogers. “We are asking that same question and we are taking action, we are not dismissing any option.”
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