Magruder Shooter will Remain Held Without Bond, Purchased Ghost Gun Online

According to WTOP’s Mike Murillo, alleged Magruder High School shooter Steven Alston Jr will remain held without bond. Alston Jr. appeared in front of a judge earlier today in Montgomery County District Court.

Prosecutors are claiming Steven Alston Jr. went into the bathroom expecting to engage in a confrontation with the 15-year-old victim and pointed the gun at the victim’s head. The victim allegedly pushed the gun away and was shot in his pelvis.

Friday’s shooting at Magruder High School was the first active shooting incident in the history of MCPS.

Prosecutors allege Alston purchased the “ghost” gun online.

In court, prosecutors claim the accused Magruder HS shooter Steven Alston Jr. went into the bathroom expecting a confrontation with the 15yo victim and pointed the gun at the victim’s head. The victim allegedly pushed the gun away and was shot in the pelvis. @WTOP

— Mike Murillo (@MikeMurilloWTOP) January 24, 2022

From MCPD:

At approximately 1 p.m., Montgomery County Police were called to the high school located on Muncaster Mill Road in Rockville, when a 15-year-old male student was discovered inside a student bathroom by school security with a gunshot wound. Montgomery County Fire Rescue responded to the school and provided medical assistance to the student, who was transported to an area hospital in serious condition.

The school went into a full lockdown at 1:05 p.m. and the building was secured. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s department, along with SWAT, assisted patrol in securing and searching the building. MCPD detectives worked simultaneously to investigate leads and identified a suspect.

The suspect, Steven Alston Jr., an 11th grade Magruder student, was located inside a classroom and taken into custody shortly after 3 p.m. A privately manufactured firearm (ghost gun) was found inside the school, which is believed to be the gun used by Alston, Jr.

During the course of the investigation, detectives determined that the incident involved Alston, Jr. and the victim, a 10th grade Magruder student. There is no evidence to suggest that the Alston, Jr. was targeting anyone else within the school.

Steven Alston Jr. has been charged with Attempted 2nd Degree Murder, 1st Degree Assault, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony/Violent Crime, Possession of a Dangerous Weapon on School Property and Possession of a Firearm by a Minor. He is being charged as an adult. This is an active and ongoing investigation.

The victim is in an area hospital and listed in critical condition. Alston Jr. is being held without bond.