Family of Antioch High Shooting Victim Sues MNPS, Metro

The family of Josselin Corea Escalante, the 16-year-old killed in the Jan. 22 Antioch High School shooting, is suing Metro Nashville Public Schools and the Metro government.

+8

Two Dead in Antioch High Shooting

Gunman shot two students before turning the gun on himself; reunification efforts underway

Escalante’s parents say MNPS and Metro failed to protect students from harm and should have taken steps to further create a safe environment. The lawsuit cites negligence by MNPS based on the shooter’s history of violent behavior and the failure of the school’s weapon detection system to identify the firearm used during the shooting — according to the filing made in Davidson County Circuit Court on June 23 by local attorney Perry Craft. 

“Josselin was killed and her parents are grieving the loss of their daughter, suffering emotional damages, mental anguish and the companionship and fellowship with their daughter, who they dearly loved,” reads the lawsuit.  

The lawsuit describes the shooter, 17-year-old Solomon Henderson, as a “walking red flag,” noting juvenile court records that revealed he threatened another student with a box cutter in October 2024. He was subsequently charged with carrying a weapon on school property and reckless endangerment, after which Henderson’s mother reported he would be homeschooled under her supervision.

Two weeks before the shooting, Davidson County Juvenile Court ordered Henderson to a program that allows juvenile offenders to have charges dismissed if they complete probation. 

Henderson exhibited additional violent behavior, according to the lawsuit, which references a fight at Antioch High School prior to the box cutter incident, along with threats made to teachers who voiced concerns and said precautions should have been taken to prevent further violence. 

The lawsuit also points to Henderson’s social media pages, via which he shared videos about violence and racism. Court records released earlier this year disclosed a 2023 incident when Henderson was arrested and charged with aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor after downloading child pornography and posting it to Discord. 

Antioch High School Shooter's Court Records Released

Teen threatened student with box cutter in months prior to shooting

Additionally, Escalante’s parents claim negligence on MNPS’ part due to the failure of the Omnilert, an AI-powered weapon detection system, to spot the firearm Henderson used on the day of the shooting. In February, MNPS approved a $1.25 million annual contract for the implementation of Evolv, another AI-operated weapon detection system, in all area high schools.  

Escalante’s family is suing for $700,000 in damages, the maximum amount allowed under Tennessee’s Governmental Tort Liability Act. 

Both MNPS and Metro declined to comment on the details of the lawsuit. 

“Our thoughts and sympathies continue to be with the family of Josselin Corea Escalante; however, we cannot comment on pending litigation,” MNPS spokesperson Sean Braisted tells the Scene in an email. 

Metro Legal Director Wally Dietz tells the Scene he has not yet reviewed the lawsuit.