Selma City Schools offer grief counseling for students after freshman dies in weekend shooting

Selma City Schools sent a condolence message to parents and students Saturday night for the loss of a 14-year-old freshman who died in a shooting in the early morning hours.

The district also offered counseling services next week for students in need. The freshman attends Selma Virtual Academy/Alternative Learning Center. 

Selma City Schools Interim Superintendent Darryl Aikerson posted this message on social media Saturday night:

"It is with a heavy heart that I share the heartbreaking news of the passing of one of our high school students, Jamarj Acoff, who passed away last night. This is a challenging time for us all as we deal with the loss. The Selma City Schools family extends our thoughts and prayers to his family, friends, and classmates during this extremely difficult time. To honor Jamarj's memories and support each other, we must come together as a community in the days ahead. Counseling services will be available next week for our students who require assistance with processing their grief. We must unite and support each other during this difficult time. It is important that we keep the family in our thoughts and allow them the privacy they deserve."

A Selma High sophomore died from injuries sustained in a shooting in August. AuTerrious Walter was 16 when he died a week after being shot in the head.

Teens were involved in a shooting at Selma's Walmart that led to the death of a 40-year-old Selma man on Jan. 31. It is unclear if any of the four arrested, ages 16-20, attended Selma schools.