Charges reduced against teen accused of shooting classmate to death at Butler HS

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charges against a student who police said shot and killed a classmate inside Butler High School, which led to massive changes in school security, have been reduced, Channel 9 has learned.

Mecklenburg County's grand jury heard Jatwan Cuffie's case on Monday and indicted him on second-degree murder charges.

Cuffie was originally charged with first-degree murder for shooting and killing Bobby McKeithen in the hallway of Butler High School last month.

Officials said the shooting stemmed from an off-campus fight.

By law, prosecutors cannot discuss business with the grand jury, so it is unclear why those charges were reduced.

Past coverage

• Slain Butler HS student's father: 'My son lost his life over foolishness'
• Police say bullying did not lead to Butler HS shooting, despite earlier reports
• Arrest affidavit details possible motive in deadly Butler High School shooting
• Matthews community gathers for prayer in wake of Butler school shooting
• Good Samaritan takes school shooting victim's mother to hospital
• Parents march to school to get children after deadly shooting
• Students, parents recall emotional moments following school shooting
• Leaders discuss safety after deadly shooting at Matthews high school
• 'I love you, Bobby': Loved ones gather to say final goodbyes to slain Butler HS student

Channel 9 pushed for solutions for weeks after that shooting, and on Friday we were there as the CMS superintendent announced new security measures.

[CMS steps up security in the wake of a series of issues at local schools]

Starting after winter break, the district will begin using metal-detecting wands randomly on students, along with implementing random bag searches, increased camera monitors, and teacher panic cards.

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• Charges reduced against teen accused of shooting classmate to death at Butler HS
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