Rocky River HS on 'modified' lockdown following fatal shooting at Butler

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Fear from the tragedy at Butler High School has spread to schools across the Charlotte-Mecklenburg district.

Officials said Rocky River High School was placed on "modified" lockdown Thursday following a fatal shooting at Butler High School.

In a message sent to families Thursday morning, Rocky River High School Principal Ericia Turner said:

"In these tense times, we want to be proactive to help ensure a sense of safety on our campus for all our students, for you and for our staff. As a precautionary measure only, Rocky River will have increased security measures and will be operating on a modified lockdown today."

Officials said a "modified" lockdown means all adults will be in hallways during transition periods and all classroom doors will be locked during class times.

Turner said the decision was a precautionary measure made in response to rumors of possible tensions following Monday's fatal shooting at Butler High School.

FULL STATEMENT FROM ROCKY RIVER HS PRINCIPAL: 

"Good morning Rocky River families,

This is Principal Ericia Turner calling with an update on our school community. In these tense times, we want to be proactive to help ensure a sense of safety on our campus for all our students, for you and for our staff. As a precautionary measure only, Rocky River will have increased security measures and will be operating on a modified lockdown today. A modified lockdown simply means that all adults will be in hallways during transitions and all classroom doors locked during class times. We are implementing these measures in response to rumors of possible tensions following Monday’s events at Butler HS.  I understand that this information could possibly be alarming, but I want to assure you again that these measures are precautionary. I also want you to know that when we have information we think you would want to know, we will err on the side of caution and I will share it with you. Our community experienced a tragedy on Monday in one of our schools and I know students feel additional pressures right now.  Please talk to them, be mindful of any changes in behavior and know that counseling is available to them here at Rocky River.  I thank you for your support of Rocky River HS and I will call you with an updates necessary. We look forward to a good day of teaching and learning here at Rocky River. Thank you."

"Our community experienced a tragedy on Monday in one of our schools and I know students feel added pressures right now," Turner said. "Please talk to them, be mindful of any changes in behavior and know that counseling is available to them here at Rocky River."

Matthews police said freshman Jatwan Cuffie shot and killed classmate Bobby McKeithen because of a disagreement that stemmed from a previous fight.

It's still unclear if what unfolded involved any students from Rocky River and prompted the "modified" lockdown.

A Rocky River student told Channel 9's Elsa Gillis that rumors were circulating about a threat made to the school.

She also told Channel 9 that it's been a difficult few days and described the increased security inside the school.

"There’s a lot of police all around the back of school, inside the school, the cafeteria, walking around the hallways making sure everything’s good," said student Lenmary Moquete.

School officials said when they have information they believe parents should know, they will proceed with caution and share necessary it.

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