CMS principal remembers students involved in fatal west Charlotte shooting

Officials are conducting a homicide investigation in west Charlotte that happened Sunday morning. The victim was identified as 18-year-old Jamie Bright.

He was a rising senior at Harding University High School and played football there. He was on the state championship team that took home the trophy in 2017. Eric Ward is the principal at Harding University. He found out about the shooting by text.

“Shocking — surprised — just wondering what happened,” Harding University Principal Eric Ward said. “I’ve known the kid and his family for about 10 or 11 years now.”

The Harding University High School student was pronounced dead on the scene upon officers arrival in the 1500 block of Clanton Road at 1:06 a.m.

Ward describes Bright as a good student.

“He was always respectful,” Ward said. “No issues out of him for the most part.”

According to a report, an investigation revealed the victim and suspect, who knew each other, were inside a home together. Police say the suspect is 17-year-old Jermarion David Pernell Worthy. Ward says Worth also attended Harding University High school.

“I am going to have to definitely go out and see and find out how I can support the both sets of families because both of them were my students...even though the shooter is still here — but there is also some grieving his family is going through — because in a way, they lost a son as well,” Ward said.

The suspect remained on the scene and was transported to police headquarters to be interviewed, officials said.

Worthy’s first court appearance is expected to be Tuesday.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is investigating the homicide. They have not released a motive. Ward believes the shooting was accidental.

“From my understanding they were friends,” Harding University High School Principal said. “They stuck up for one another all the time and hung out with each other all the time.”

Ward said there could be a memorial at the school in memory of Bright at the school soon.

CMPD says Bright is Charlotte’s 30th homicide.

This story was originally published July 16, 2018 at 4:21 PM.