Shooting at Campbell County High School
Victims
- Ken Bruce (48, Male), Administrator, Fatality
- Jim Pierce (56, Male), Administrator
- Gary Seale (55, Male), Administrator
Shooter
Ken Bartley Jr. (15, Male), Student
Occurred on Nov 8, 2005
A teenager shot and killed an assistant principal and seriously wounded two other administrators, before a teacher wrestled the gun away. 15-year old student Kenneth Bartley Jr. had been confronted by principal Gary Seale on whether he carried a firearm on school campus. He allegedly pulled the .22-caliber handgun under a napkin and stated, "Yes, it's real. I'll show you. I never liked you anyways," and proceeded to open fire on assistant principal Ken Bruce and Gary Seale and assistant principal Jim Pierce, who were present in the room and survived their injuries. Bartley was sentenced to 45 years in prison. Learn More (knoxnews.com)
I was there the day that happened that was my high school i was a junior at the time. I lost a dear friend that died an another mother like person because she couldn't take the pain. I am glad kenneth is rotten in prison for what he did i hope regrets his decision that do such a thing no matter the cost. I am glad he was brought to justic i was beginning to thank that they weren't going to do anything. I hope Mr. Bruces family can rest easy now knowin that the boy that killed him is bein punished for his actions.
- Dorothy Blackburn (08/29/2009)
My name is Patricia Howard (Ghormley). I went to Campbell County High When the shooting took place I was a junior at the time, I was very close to Mr. Bruce he helped me alot with problems that i had due to being in foster care. And even though it has been almost four years since that tragic day it still breaks my heart. I will always hold a place in my heart for Mr. Bruce and the other two princaples that were hurt. Also for the family members and friends of these brave men. I am very glad that Kenneth is in prison for what he did he deserves it even though I was a friend of his. My heart also goes out to Kenneths family for what they went through and are going through, this is not there fault and I wish every one the best that got hurt during this tragic situation.
- Patricia Howard (10/16/2009)
Does anybody know where Kenneth went to middle school/Junior high?
- Christopher Baird (11/24/2009)
Im erin shaw..but in high school i was erin richey..I was in school that day.. it was sad...i miss mr bruce...he always had something funny to say...or when he was chasing people down who tried to jump the fence....and got so many out of detention..RIP mr. bruce
- Erin Shaw (03/09/2010)
I think It is very sad of what happened at Campbell County High School. No One will ever know what Kenneth is going to have to face but I know without a doubt God will watch over him. I think it is so sad that a young man would have to resort to something so heart breaking my fiancee was up at CCHS at the time. I was still in Middle School at that time. Parents, Faculty & Administration was heart broke and God gave Mr. Seals & Mr. Pierce some more life to live. I never knew Mr. Bruce but I'm sure he was a great man. But Mr. Piece & Mr. Seals will always be in my heart. I love you all & I know Mr. Bruce I will see you in heaven one day. God Bless!
- Shanna Parker (03/22/2010)
i love all of the people who were hurt in this situation. But mainly my heart goes out to Mr. Bruce's family and Kenny.... He was 14, can u remember being 14, can u imagine the mental problems he had, he was doing drugs ( i was right there with him, not judging AT ALL) add that to a mental issue, u have an instant killer. Kenny was and is still a good person he just was not dealt the best life. I will always love that boy, it is his fault for pullin the trigger, but it could and should have been prevented. The adults who had authority over this situation did not do what they should have. EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON THO!!! trust in God always
- brooke (12/12/2010)
I do not know anyone in this situation, only what I saw on news. But I can say for some reason my heart has ached for Kenneth. Something was not right about this whole situation. He seemed desperate for some reason. I hope he did not set out to kill someone that day. And I do pray God watches over him and had mercy on him. I do pray for all the other families, but I have a feeling that there are not too many people thinking of Kenneth.
- Jodi (12/04/2011)
I meant to say that I hope God has mercy on Kenneth.
- Jodi (12/04/2011)
Kenneth you Messed Up Your Education Because I Strongly Believe Those People Was Really Trying to Help You & Yet You took Their Life ! I Am Going To PRAY For You Because That Was Some Of my Family You Too Away ! God Said love Everyone and I have nothing But Love for you So I Really Hope You got It Right With the Lord ! Life and the choices We Make ! & You Made The Wrong One Because you Messed Up Your Life And Other people Lives Too ! May God Bless You ! YOU WAS WRONG FOR WHAT YOU DID ! KNOW THAT! BECAUSE ALL YOU HAD TO DO WAS GO TO SCHOOL AND DO YOUR WORK AND GO HOME ! BUT YOU WENT TO KILL SOMEONE ! I DONT CARE WHAT ANYONE SAY YOU PLANNED THAT ! YOU HAD UR MIND SET UP TO KILL !
- - CeCe Pierce (01/13/2012)