Fifth-grade teacher arrested for shooting his daughter's teenage boyfriend


An Alabama teacher is on paid administrative leave after authorities said he shot an 18-year-old man.

According to AL.com, Fitzgerald McQueen, 50, shot Jaizon Edwards, the young man who was dating McQueen's daughter, in the chest, authorities said.

The Madison County Sheriff's Office and Huntsville police responded to the scene of a shooting around 3 a.m. Thursday. McQueen, a fifth-grade teacher at Heritage Elementary School in Madison, Alabama, was arrested and charged with first-degree assault in connection with the shooting.
Edwards was taken to Huntsville Hospital to be treated for his injuries. His mother, Tasha Edwards, told WAFF that her son is doing well and is expected to make a full recovery.

An ongoing investigation could yield charges against McQueen, who was released from jail after posting a $15,000 bond.

McQueen has been teaching for over 18 years, according to his bio on Heritage Elementary's website. "I am a native of Alabama, a husband and a father," he wrote. "I am active in my church and community. I enjoy carpentry, four-wheeling, jet skis, gardening, the ocean and hanging out with my children."

Dr. Dee Fowler, superintendent of Madison City Schools, sent a letter to parents on Thursday:

"I know many of you have been following the news story about a shooting that took place last night in Harvest. The alleged shooter is Dr. Fitzgerald McQueen, a fifth-grade teacher at Heritage.

We have been in contact with the Madison County Sheriff’s Department.  They informed us that Dr. McQueen has been charged with first-degree assault.  The sheriff’s office is working with the Madison County District Attorney’s Office and there is an ongoing investigation. Since this is an active investigation, I cannot comment on this terrible situation except to say that Dr. McQueen has been placed on paid administrative leave.

Short-term solutions for Dr. McQueen’s classes have been set into motion and long-term plans are being made.  Dr. (Georgina) Nelson, the principal at Heritage, is committed to providing the best solution to these challenges and working to ensure that there are no gaps in teaching and learning. She will be sending an email to the parents of Heritage Elementary School students later today.

This is a very sad event.  As always, we remain committed to serving our students."

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