Madison's Grief Counseling Meeting

The teen suspect in a deadly shooting at Discovery Middle School will go before a judge on Monday to see if he will be tried as adult. The middle school student is accused of shooting and killing 14 year old Todd Brown as students were changing classes Friday afternoon. Police are not releasing the juvenile's name, or a motive at this time.

On Sunday, the Madison community came together to talk about how to go on from here.

Walking into Bob Jones High School, anyone could see how, not only a community stricken by tragedy was coming together, but how they are also leaning on each other for support.

Hundreds of faces. Plenty of emotion. All for one reason.

"We grieve because our community has lost a huge part of its innocence," said Madison City Schools Superintendent Dr. Dee Fowler.

The same community came together to get information and learn about resources to help cope with the deadly school shooting at Discovery Middle School.

Madison's Police Chief Larry Muncey assured everyone the shooting was random and focused.

"He waited from him. He pre-planned it, and he shot him," said Madison Police Chief Larry Muncey.

Counselors filled rows of the city's only high school to comfort those affected by tragedy.

Dr. Fowler still feels the same about the city where his students live.

"Friday, I woke up in one of the best places in the nation to raise a child. I firmly believe that today, I woke up in one of the best places in the nation to raise a child," said Dr. Fowler.

A fellow school leader, Lincoln County High School Principal Jim Stewart, came to show his support. He knows all too well what this feels like.

"When it happened at Lincoln County High School, it happened at a place that it would never have happened. When it happened in Madison, it happened at a place that it would never have happened," said Stewart.

Stewart's school suffered its own shooting more than a decade ago.

"Every emotion possible went through me. I couldn't believe it," added Stewart.

Madison Mayor Paul Finley talked about the seven stages of grief. Grieving himself, he made one thing clear.

"My name is Paul Finley, and I'm the mayor of Madison, Alabama. I'm more proud to say that today than I ever have been in my time as mayor," said Mayor Finley.

The meeting ended with a moment of silence by all to reflect on what happened here at Discovery Middle School. Officials ask that everyone continue praying, not only for the victim's family, but the alleged shooter's family as well. It was acknowledged that both families' lives have been changed forever.