On December 1, 1997, Jessica Jeanette James, 17, was killed during a morning prayer circle at Heath High School in West Paducah, Kentucky. A 14-year-old student, Michael Carneal, arrived at the gathering with a .22-caliber pistol and opened fire. Two other students, 14-year-old Nicole Hadley and 15-year-old Kayce Steger, were also killed; five more were wounded.

Jessica was taken to Western Baptist Hospital and died during surgery that afternoon. Carneal was taken into custody at the scene. Reports say he later pleaded guilty but mentally ill to three counts of murder, five counts of attempted murder, and one count of burglary and received life with parole eligibility after 25 years. Investigators noted teasing of Carneal by other students and writings expressing pent-up frustration; they also examined whether others were involved because he had brought multiple weapons, though the shooting was carried out by him alone.