705 Hanover St.

Hamilton, Ohio 45011

Hamilton 513.785.1000 Middletown 513.424.2456

www.butlersheriff.org

Sheriff Richard K. Jones

Chief Deputy Anthony E. Dwyer

Butler County, Ohio

Office of the Sheriff

For Immediate Release February 29, 2016

Two Students Shot, Suspect In Custody

Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones reports at approximately 11:15 AM today, a 14 year old male, armed with a handgun, shot 2 students during lunch time at Madison High School in Madison Township, Butler County Ohio and fled the school. 2 other students were injured but not due to gun shots. All are expected to survive the ordeal. The suspect was apprehended a short time later near the school. This is a tragic and horrific event that you hope never happens. The deputies, first responders, and surrounding agencies acted fast and apprehended the suspect quickly. We had help come from everywhere, said Sheriff Jones. The Butler County Detectives Division will continue the investigation. We do not have a motive at this time, but we do know all the kids involved are students of Madison High School. The shooter, 14 year old James Austin Hancock, is being charged with 2 counts of attempted murder, 2 counts of felonious assault, inducing panic and making terroristic threats, all felony charges. We have the suspect in custody and we did locate the weapon used. I would like to extend my gratitude to every agency that responded to assist and were happy to do so, we were happy they did, the parents of the students acted in an orderly fashion and we were able to get the other students released quickly and safely, said the Sheriff. The victims of the gun- shot wounds were flown to area hospitals. We do not know the extent of the injuries at this time. The victims names are as follows: Cameron Smith 15 year old male Gun Shot Wound (Stable Condition) Cooper Caffery 14 year old male Gun Shot Wound (Stable Condition) Brant Murray 14 year old male Minor Injury Katherine Doucette 14 year old female Minor Injury The Sheriff is holding a press conference at the Butler County Sheriffs Office at 4 PM in the conference room.

Prepared by: Sgt. Melissa Gerhardt

Administrative Services

(513) 785-1018 cc: Administration, Dispatch