Suspect in Wilmer-Hutchins High School Shooting Turns Himself In, Faces First-Degree Felony Charges
Dallas, TX – The suspect in the shooting at Wilmer-Hutchins High School in Southeast Dallas has turned himself in and is now facing multiple serious charges, including four counts of aggravated assault stemming from what authorities have classified as a mass shooting. The tragic incident unfolded Tuesday afternoon, sending shockwaves through the school community and raising urgent concerns about school safety.
Tracy Denard Haynes Jr., 17, surrendered himself at the Lew Sterrett Justice Center around 9 p.m. Tuesday evening. According to an arrest affidavit released by officials, Haynes is now booked in the Dallas County Jail and is facing first-degree felony charges—four counts of Aggravated Assault – Mass Shooting. His total bond has been set at $600,000, or $150,000 per charge.
A special agent from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), who authored the affidavit, stated, “Based on my review and the overall circumstances, I believe Tracy Denard Haynes Jr. committed the offense of Aggravated Assault Mass Shooting, as he intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly tried to cause serious bodily harm or death to students at WHHS while using a deadly weapon.”
Timeline of the Incident
The chain of events leading up to the shooting was reconstructed by investigators through surveillance footage from the school’s hallways. Around 1 p.m., the video captured an unidentified student letting Haynes into the building through an unsecured side door—bypassing school safety protocols.
Once inside, Haynes reportedly encountered a group of male students in the hallway. Without warning, he pulled out a firearm and opened fire, striking five students. According to the affidavit, one of the victims was shot at close range after being unable to flee in time.
Emergency services responded quickly to the scene. Dallas ISD and Dallas Fire-Rescue confirmed that four students sustained non-life-threatening injuries, while one student remains in serious condition. All five were transported to local hospitals for treatment. As of the latest updates, no fatalities have been reported.
Motive Still Unclear
At this time, officials have not confirmed whether Haynes was enrolled at Wilmer-Hutchins High School, nor have they released any information regarding his motive. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are continuing to review surveillance footage and interview witnesses to determine how Haynes obtained access to the building and what may have led to the violent attack.
Community Reaction and Safety Concerns
The shooting has left students, parents, and school staff deeply shaken. Dallas ISD has pledged to review and reinforce campus security procedures, especially in regard to building access and student monitoring during school hours. The revelation that a student may have knowingly allowed Haynes into the school has sparked additional concerns over peer complicity and awareness.
Local leaders and law enforcement officials have condemned the violence and are calling for increased community engagement to address the root causes of such incidents, including youth violence, access to firearms, and mental health resources.
Next Steps
Haynes is being held in the Dallas County Jail as he awaits further legal proceedings. Prosecutors are expected to pursue the charges aggressively, given the serious nature of the offense and the number of victims involved. If convicted, Haynes could face decades in prison under Texas law.
The investigation remains active, and authorities urge anyone with information about the shooting—or the events leading up to it—to come forward.