"This is a situation where we are more than heartbroken," said Jim Notter, the superintendent of schools for Broward County.
The death came after a confusing series of events that started when the teen's body was found. Police said they did not believe gunshots were heard, and an initial examination found no evidence of a major wound on the girl's body, leading to confusion about whether or not she was shot.
Authorities later confirmed there was a shooting, but Sgt. Frank Sousa, a spokesman for the Fort Lauderdale Police, said it was possible a smaller-caliber gun was used and the wound closed around the bullet.
The suspect was apprehended at an area restaurant after a caller there reported she may have been involved in a school shooting. A gun was recovered.
The school was locked down for a short time after the incident was reported, but classes resumed soon afterward. Still, as police were announcing the fatality, gates were chain-locked and access was being restricted as a news helicopter hovered overhead. Several dozen parents gathered outside.
"I'm just trying to get my baby out of here," said Betty Barnes, whose 15-year-old daughter Tiffany is a sophomore at the school. "I want to make sure she's OK. It's very scary not knowing."
Police said no other students were believed to have been involved.
"This appears to be an isolated incident," said Sousa.
Dillard has about 1,700 students. They don't pass through metal detectors, but officers are stationed on campus.
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