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SEATTLE – As Donny Fry attempted to carry out a murder-suicide at his school Tuesday, the Franklin High School junior missed all intended targets with his first round of ammunition and unintentionally started a 400-meter relay race during a track meet taking place at his school’s outdoor athletic complex.

Fry’s shot went unnoticed for nearly a minute as both race participants and onlookers believed the round from his sawed-off shotgun to be the race’s commencement. Fry was clearly disappointed with his errant shot, as he had hoped to create mass panic and kill at least one.

“I guess you could say he killed my time in first leg,” said track athlete Darrel Johnson, of his lackluster performance in the relay race after wasting considerable energy on the mistaken start.

Both Fry and the athletes were embarrassed over the comic mix-up moments after the event.

“I can’t believe I missed hitting anyone and they started the race,” said Fry, while being taken into police custody. “I know I was pretty upset at the time, but I’m sure I’ll look back at it all and laugh.”

“What we really have here is a case of whimsical coincidence,” said Kathy Downing, Franklin High principal. “But I think it’s very indicative of the problems with youth today. Donny clearly did not take the time to aim and ensure success.”

To prevent future events like this one, school officials say they will switch the race-starting device to a loud tone to avoid confusion with school massacre attempts.

“The last thing we want is for this to become a regular occurrence,” said Downing. “Our athletes deserve better.”