Johnstown police are releasing new details on the investigation into a deadly, overnight shooting that claimed the life of a 17-year-old student from Greater Johnstown High School.
Police say Kaden Woodring, also age 17, is facing charges of criminal homicide and aggravated assault after investigators say he shot the victim with a rifle at a home along Sheridan Street late Sunday night.
Authorities say officers responded to the home, just before midnight, where the victim was reportedly found in the basement of the residence with a gunshot wound to her upper chest and right arm.
According to the affidavit, police say witnesses told officers that Woodring reportedly pointed a hunting-style rifle at the victim and pulled the trigger.
Police say Woodring then allegedly fled the home but was later taken into custody after making phone contact with responding officers.
Investigators say Woodring later told police that he approached the victim, as she was reportedly coming to the home to pick up two other individuals who were “socializing” at the residence.
According to Woodring, police say he allegedly pointed the rifle at her and asked, “you know I’m playin’?,” before pulling the trigger.
Police say Woodring then stated that he alerted a family member to what had happened before briefly speaking to a 911 operator and then fleeing the home.
Investigators noted that, according to Woodring, the rifle was reportedly stolen and had been brought to him, several weeks prior, by another juvenile.
Police also noted that officers did not recover the rifle or any shell casings from the basement of the residence as the rifle was reportedly taken from the scene by another juvenile.
Authorities say the victim, who has not yet been identified, was pronounced dead at the scene and an autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday.
Officials add that Woodring is being housed at the Cambria County Prison and his bail was denied.