Victim of Maryland school shooting to be taken off life support

Jaelynn Willey, who was critically wounded by another student at a Maryland high school this week, is brain dead according to her parents. She is 16 years old.

The student who shot her had recently broken up with her, and then targeted Jaelynn when he showed up at the school with a firearm. Another student was wounded in the incident and is recovering. The suspect in the shooting is dead.

On Tuesday, the student who shot Jaelynn entered Great Mills High School before classes started and opened fire in a hallway. The school's resource officer intervened and the suspect was ultimately killed — it is not yet known whether the death was self-inflicted or from the officer's returned fire.

After battling for her life since Tuesday, Jaelynn will be removed from life support Thursday evening, according to her parents. Speaking about the teenager's condition, her mother, Melissa, told The Associated Press that Jaelynn has "no life left in her."

Melissa continued, "On Tuesday...our lives changed completely and totally forever. My daughter was hurt by a boy who shot her in the head and took everything from our lives." Jaelynn was a member of the swim team, and has eight siblings.

More than $59,000 has been raised for the Willey family to help with expenses. Jaelynn has been receiving treatment at the University of Maryland Prince George's Hospital Center. She has been in critical condition since her arrival.

Following the shooting, officials from the St. Mary's County Sheriff's office maintained that "All indications suggest the shooting was not a random act of violence."

Authorities say the gun used in the shooting was legally owned by the father of the 17-year -old perpetrator. It is already illegal for anyone under 21 to own a handgun in Maryland, unless the firearm is required to for their employment.