Covington rescue workers take a shooting victim to a helicopter after she was shot near Latonia Elementary Wednesday afternoon. (Patrick Reddy photos) | ZOOM |

        COVINGTON — While frightened schoolchildren and teachers scattered Wednesday afternoon, a woman was shot and critically wounded on the sidewalk outside the Latonia Elementary School parking lot on 40th Street.

        Police arrested 30-year-old Marjorie M. McElfresh at the scene and also recovered a .380-caliber semi-automatic pistol. Ms. McElfresh, of Covington, was charged with criminal attempt to commit murder and was being held in the Kenton County jail.

        Covington Police Lt. Col. Jim Liles said several children and teachers witnessed the shooting, which happened just as school was letting out about 3 p.m. Wednesday.

        “The children and teachers were immediately taken back into the school and kept in the cafeteria until the scene was stabilized,” Col. Liles said.

        The victim was a white female, possibly in her late 40s or early 50s, who was shot in the neck. Authorities did not immediately release her name.

Marjorie M. McElfresh of Covington was charged with criminal attempt to commit murder after a shooting Wednesday. | ZOOM |

        Steve Bryant, who lives a block from the school on East 40th Street, said the victim, whom he called Katrina, and the suspect had a history of trouble.

        “They got into a fight the first day of school,” Mr. Bryant said.

        When the victim arrived at school, he said Ms. McElfresh walked from across the street and fired.

        Covington Independent Schools spokesman Bill Weathers said the school system's psychological services staff will met 7 a.m. today with teachers and Principal Pat Barry. Then, at, 7:20 a.m. they will be available to meet with parents.

        Ms. McElfresh is to be arraigned in Kenton District Court today. The victim was listed in critical condition at University Hospital in Cincinnati Wednesday night.
       

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