columbia high school student murdered

"At this time, out of respect for the family and due to the ongoing nature of the police investigation, we are unable to share the names of the affected students. Notice a spelling or grammar error in this article? An 11th grade student from Columbia High School was killed during a shooting incident on Sunday night at Underhill Field in Maplewood, according to authorities. The 17-year-old suspect is being charged as an adult. It does not indicate who entered and exited the vehicle. When asked if he could imagine why anyone would want to harm Fofana, soccer teammate Joshua Billec said, "I can't. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. I was shocked.. Phil Murphy addressed the shooting death at the start of his press briefing on Monday. The nannys boyfriend was charged in the killings. Gov. Another student was also injured in the shooting, CBS2's Lisa Rozner reported Monday. Hernandez allegedly told investigators that his brother said two males were following him. The 17-year-old student is accused of stabbing a 16-year-old male several times in the upper body before running from the scene. He took virtual classes all morning, and then played soccer every other hour, his mother, Hawa Fofana, said. The South Orange & Maplewood School District and CHS have a Crisis Intervention Team made up of professionals trained to help with the needs of students, parents, and school personnel at difficult times such as this. Within an hour, 18-year-old Harris and his 17-year-old partner Dylan Klebold a fellow Columbine High School student and Brown's friend since first grade were dead. Maplewood police found Fofana dead at the scene, and another student, also 18, shot in the leg. She was on her way to Pennsylvania late Monday to see Moussas father and had not told her 5-year-old son, Muhammad, about Moussas death, she said. In addition, due to the proximity of Underhill to Clinton Elementary School and the ongoing police investigation taking place, all outdoor activities at Clinton will be canceled for the day (and/or take place indoors where necessary). Deputy Chief Melron Kelly posted an update online, saying all the victims are school-aged and male. On Monday afternoon, yellow police tape lined the fences surrounding the complex, and six bouquets of flowers and a soccer ball left by mourners lay outside a locked gate. That has this school community in disbelief. sign up for Patch breaking news alerts or daily newsletters. All rights reserved, was shot and killed by a stranger on June 6, 20 Students Injured in Long Island School Bus Crash With Pickup Truck, Man Charged With Murder in 31-Year-Old Cold Case Killing Of Queens Teen: DA, Met Gala 2023: Start Time, Theme, Guests & Everything Else to Know, Met Gala 2023 Live Updates: Fashion Highlights From Carpet, Here's How to Watch 2023 Met Gala Celebrity Arrivals, These Are Some of The Best Met Gala Looks in The Last Decade. the owner of a popular New York City comedy club. She sounded stunned that someone would kill him. Maplewood Middle School Principal Dara Gronau also sent a letter out to the MMS community late Monday morning, confirming that both the deceased victim and the injured victim were MMS alumni and offering counseling and support to students. WIS News 10 livestreamed CPDs update from the scene. Detectives retrieved video from the scene that shows a silver sedan pull up to the field at approximately 9:16 p.m. and several individuals exit it and go in two different directions, the criminal complaint against Hernandez said. Officials said that the death was being treated as a homicide and that no arrests had been made. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Fofana played soccer for Columbia High School in the fall. COLUMBIA, S.C. Deputies from the Richland County Sheriff's Department have a 17-year-old suspect in custody following a fight that left two 16-year-old students injured at a Richland Two high school. Our thoughts and concerns are with the families at this most difficult time. Chief investigative reporter Jonathan Dienst on crime, corruption and terrorism. On April 20, 1999, they entered Columbine . We offer our sincere condolences to the family in their time of need. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Fofana starred on his high schools soccer team and his death caused the community to rally in support of his mother, Hawa Fofana. Now that the arrest has been made, its really important to let the criminal justice system workShe just wants to see that process do its work.. Moussa Fofana, 18, a junior at Maplewood's Columbia High School, was shot and killed by a stranger on June 6 while walking through the school's Underhill Sports Complex. A community is in mourning after a high school student was killed in Maplewood, New Jersey. Another CHS student was injured and hospitalized. 20-year-old accused of fatally shooting Maplewood student was - nj One person was killed and at least one other was wounded. Friends said Fofana and the other teen were cutting through the field to go to a friend's house to watch a late-night boxing match. The complaint does not indicate who is Aleman.. Moussa was born in New York and then lived in New Jersey for several years. Maplewood Shooting: Police ID Teen Fatally Shot (UPDATED) She said that she had sent him to live with his grandmother in Monrovia, Liberias capital, when he was 5 and that he had moved back to this country six years later. Investigators want to know who shot and killed a high school student Sunday night at a sports complex in a New Jersey town. On Tuesday, March 29, we received confirmation of the death of a Columbia High School (CHS) student. The other two victims are 18 and 17-years-old. Her son was later charged in the killing. COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A Richland School District Two student is recovering at a local hospital after being stabbed on campus Tuesday. It could be a witness issue, it could be an evidence issue, it could be a certain defense being asserted by the defendant.". He's a really good person," neighbor Janae Allen said. Watch WIS News 10 at 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. An attorney for Hernandez refused to comment on the plea deal. Taylor said some events and procedures around the high school and nearby elementary school are changed for now: Superintendent Taylor wrote, "At this time, out of respect for the family and due to the ongoing nature of the police investigation, we are unable to share the names of the affected students. His public defender . The death of the popular soccer-loving student at the school led to a massive community outpouring of support, with the town's former mayor personally kicking in a substantial reward for information on the case. Caren Lissner , Patch Staff Posted Wed, Mar 30, 2022 at 12:15 pm . Monitor this social media platform for updates. 5. He was always so sweet, she said. Two individuals coming from Underhill field entered the sedan at 9:30 p.m. and it drove off immediately after the shooting, the complaint said. Layla Michaelson, a neighbor and Columbia High School senior, said in an interview that she first met Moussa when she was in the sixth grade and that her family had moved in across the street from him and his family two years ago. Howard police arrest teen after student stabbed at Columbia high school Until such time as information is received, we are making preparations for addressing the needs of our students, staff and families. If you have info to help find the suspect (s) contact @midlandcstopper. "He's always either outside playing with a soccer ball. All rights reserved (About Us). Shortly after 12 p.m., the two teens turned their guns on themselves. The shootings were carried out by Eric Harris, age 18, and Dylan Klebold, age 17. 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Here is Superintendent Taylor's full letter: Dear South Orange & Maplewood School Community. Police officers found Moussa with a gunshot wound shortly before 10 p.m. Sunday near the sports complex after responding to reports of gunfire in the area, according to a statement from Maplewoods police chief, Jimmy DeVaul, and Theodore N. Stephens II, the acting Essex County prosecutor. The Essex County Prosecutors Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force has been assigned to investigate. Ronald G. TaylorSouth Orange & Maplewood School District, Board of Education. Nothing pleased Moussa more than human connection. "While I cannot comment formally on an ongoing investigation by the Essex County Prosecutor's Office," he said, "I have been actively involved in conversations with our Maplewood Police Department and our local school district leaders since Sunday evening. New Jersey Gov. Later, Fennelly identified the student as 18-year-old CHS junior, Moussa Fofana. We have to put people in jail and they have to stay in jail., #ColumbiaPDSC officers were dispatched to 3245 Lucius Road around 12:15 p.m. & found the victims. Investigators have been at the scene, the Underhill Sports Complex, since late Sunday night. We will continue working with the Columbia Police Department to fully investigate this homicide., Rutherford said. Hernandez at times gazed upwards towards the ceiling as he appeared over Zoom from the Essex County jail. Gilmore, Jr. was arrested Monday by the US Marshals Services Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force. One person was killed and at least one other was wounded," Dr. Ronald Taylor wrote. MAPLEWOOD, NJ Authorities in Maplewood are still investigating an incident in which an 18-year-old Columbia High School senior was shot to death on the school's ball fields Sunday and a 17-year-old student was injured. He never gave problems to anybody., Moussa was killed near the Maplewood soccer field where he played for Columbia High School. One person was killed and at least one other was wounded. August 6, 2021 / 5:22 PM Superior Court Judge Michael Ravin accepted the move, reiterating that Hernandez would be detained as his case on the murder charge moved forward. ", He added, "Our prayers go out to Moussa's family, friends, teammates, classmates, the entire CHS community, our Maplewood-South Orange community and everyone impacted by this senseless and devastating loss due to gun violence. He was a very sweet dude," friend Joseph Fabiano added. One of them took a swing at him, Hernandez said. This has not been confirmed by authorities. "It is with a very heavy heart that we confirm there was a shooting last night with multiple victims at Underhill. To be the first to get free news alerts with breaking stories in your town, or to get a free local newsletter each morning, sign up for Patch breaking news alerts or daily newsletters. Moussa was a fixture at the complex, which is several blocks from the high school. Got news? That student is expected to survive. Hernandezs attorney said that Fofana, the second victim and a previously unreported third male who was 17 at the time and is now 18 were following Hernandezs younger 16-year-old brother in the park that night. Tomorrow, Tuesday, June 8 district and MMS Social Workers and counselors will be present at MMS all day to speak with any student or staff member in need of support. Student hospitalized after stabbing at Ridge View High School, suspect Crime scene unit cars and police officers spent Monday investigating the death of 18-year-old Moussa Fofana, who was shot inside the Maplewood complex. "We are saddened by the loss to our school community," Taylor wrote, "and will make every effort to help you and your child as you need. Anyone with information about the shooting is being asked to contact their local law enforcement or CrimeStoppers. Fight leaves 1 injured at Ridgeview High School in Richland Two | wltx.com / CBS New York. "It's more of like a family-friendly environment," Allen said. He didn't release the age of the second victim but said the student was hospitalized. Hernandez, then 20, of Newark, was arrested in August 2021. "Sometimes you might not have a very good case of first-degree murder and sometimes the proofs might lean toward one of the lesser included offenses," Molinelli said. Essex County prosecutors are reportedly leading the investigation. Sanchez later sent an email to CHS parents confirming that the deceased student was an 11th grader, and that another student was hospitalized. He would just make my day 10 times better.". Email [email protected]. A police officer answered. Although the younger brother was identified by his first name in court documents and during the hearing, NJ Advance Media is not identifying him since he is a minor and was not charged with a crime. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. "He didnt deserve to be shot just like thatOur life is never going to be the same, never.". Hernandez told detectives he fled the field at that point, the complaint said. Subscribe at nj.com/supporter. Philip D. Murphy, speaking on Monday at a regular daily news briefing, called the killing another case of gun violence in our midst. Maplewood, a suburban town of about 24,000 residents, is just outside Newark and roughly 20 miles west of Times Square. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 4/4/2023), Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 1/26/2023). In July, authorities offered a $50,000 reward for information about the deadly shooting. Get a free morning newsletter with news in Maplewood or any New Jersey town: https://patch.com/subscribe, https://health.choc.org/talking-to-children-about-death-an-age-by-age-guide/, https://childmind.org/guide/helping-children-cope-with-grief/. Homicides are rare in Maplewood. Once again, young lives have been tragically cut short by gun violence and we find ourselves asking why and searching for answers not just as a school district, but as a community. His public defender, Sterling Kinsale, said during a detention hearing Wednesday in Superior Court of Essex County that self-defense could apply to Hernandez. Columbine High School Shooting: Victims & Killers - History 2 min read. RCSD: 17 year-old charged with attempted murder following Ridge View HS Kinsale consented to his clients detention at a local county jail because the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has an immigration detainer on Hernandez. identified the student as 18-year-old CHS junior, Moussa Fofana. Because of the situation, Ridge View and nearby Rice Creek Elementary School were put on secure status -- meaning the school day continued but no one is allowed to enter or exit the buildings. At this time, their injuries are listed as serious. Phil Lipof reports. Officials have not disclosed why the two teens were at the Underhill Field sports complex, a little under a mile from the high school. In 2019, the owner of a popular New York City comedy club and a nanny who cared for his two children were killed in his Maplewood home. Dr. Ronald Taylor later sent a letter to the community, calling the incident a devastating blow and noting that the BOE retirement ceremony scheduled for Monday night would be canceled, and that all activities at Underhill Field and outdoor activities at Clinton would be canceled for the day: We are in close communication with the authorities. #ColumbiaPDSC officers are investigating a shooting incident at Riverside Apartments on Lucius Road. On April 20, 1999, two students opened fire at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, gunning down 12 of their fellow students and a teacher before killing themselves. The Columbia Police Department has arrested a 20-year-old Columbia woman for murder after locating unidentifiable human remains in north Columbia. The brothers, she said, were very close. This inconceivable calamity is undoubtedly a devastating blow to our students, staff and community. Our community is devastated to learn of this tragic loss of a beautiful soul. The older two were taken to the hospital for treatment. The injured student was transported to a local hospital or treatment. Richland One Superintendent Dr. Craig Witherspoon issued a statement. By approximately 11:35 a.m., Klebold and Harris had killed 12 students and a teacher and wounded more than 20 other people. Details emerge after 20-year-old Columbia woman arrested for murder As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. He was a student at Columbia High School. Moussa Fofana Murder Case Ends in Plea Deal, Mom Says - NBC New York Holbrook said, Its disturbing and we are sick of it. Calling Fofana's death a tragedy, Gov. #ColumbiaPDSC Update: A 16-year-old male was fatally injured during the shooting incident on Lucius Road. Gary Caskey / Reuters file For the second time in less than a week, we are mourning the loss of one of our students. A positive light in our world has dimmed, and our hearts are forever saddened., Meanwhile, Columbia High School Principal Frank Sanchez sent an email earlier Monday morning to teachers confirming that a few of our students were in a horrible situation last night at Underhill Field and that while authorities had not yet given specifics, it looks like a student may have died.. Anyone with more information is asked to contact the Essex County Prosecutors Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432. 18-year-old arrested in connection with shooting that killed Columbia High School student. The Essex County Proescutor's Office said the 17-year-old student had a "non-life-threatening" gunshot wound. Moussa, left, became enamored with soccer in middle school, his mother said. In that time, they had murdered 12 students and one teacher in what was then the deadliest school shooting in American history. She said she had seen him earlier on Sunday and later learned of his death online. Watch WIS News 10 at 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Also, all activities at Underhill field are canceled while the investigation proceeds. Moussa Fofana, 18, a junior at Columbia High School in Maplewood, N.J., and another student were hit by gunfire on Sunday night. We are sharing this information with parents and families to give you the opportunity to discuss this terrible loss with your child in a manner that feels most comfortable for your family and your child. A second student, not identified by officials, was shot in the leg and was able to run for help. The athletic field serves Columbia High School in Maplewood, but is located .8 miles from the school. The staff retiree celebration scheduled for Monday evening is postponed. Desmond Wilson, a junior at Lower Richland High School, was killed over the weekend. That was later lifted. Getty Images / David Dee. "I need him to be life in prison because my life, and my family life, will never be the same.". We offer our sincere condolences to the family in their time of need. ", Taylor said that this week and in coming weeks, counselors will be available to help anyone who wants "assistance surrounding this loss.". Village Green will continue to update this story as we learn more. "Broke my heart, first time I heard it," school crossing guard Wilbert Pitt said. He said there would be more information later Monday. Hernandez also faces charges of aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. It was one of the deadliest school shooting incidents in American history. Ridge View High School student Tony Abrams, 17, is . COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A teen has been arrested in . Email from MMS Principal Dara Gronau at 11:13 a.m., June 7, 2021: As you learned in an earlier communication from Dr. Taylor, our community tragically lost a current CHS student who attended MMS for all three years of middle school. America endured . The letter included links to information about mental health resources and talking to children about grief (see below). At approximately 9:38 pm on Sunday, Stephens said, Maplewood police officers were dispatched to area of Underhill Field on reports of a shooting. He normally stays to himself. We encourage you, as parents, to also feel free to use our resources. The Maplewood teenager was pronounced dead at the scene at 10:24 p.m. Hawa Fofana said she was informed by the Essex County Prosecutor's office Tuesday morning that Yohan Hernandez struck a deal and would plead guilty. Fennelly confirmed the incident took place at Underhill Field, but that the time was unclear. Weve got to have some accountability for people who are unlawfully carrying firearms. The death of the popular . The shooting happened on April 20 at 3245 Lucius Road. Robertson Onyiuke, a family friend, said Moussa was both still a child and the man of the house., Were all still in shock, Mr. Onyiuke said, adding: I loved that boy like a son.. Rebecca Panico may be reached at [email protected]. The most recent was in January, when a 70-year-old woman was found beaten to death on the balcony of her apartment. pic.twitter.com/4CPG1nZ8Te. CPD Chief Holbrook said one person was dead and two were injured in the shooting that happened at 12:19 p.m. The District will provide updated information to staff and the District families as it is received. pic.twitter.com/FVqwF2EmGm. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Richland One mourns death of third student in matter of weeks - WLTX.com But that provides little solace for the grieving mother for the star athlete, who was so loved by his classmates that turnout for a memorial service after his death numbered in the thousands. I dont think a day went by without him playing.. If you need any suggestions on how to discuss this sad news with your child, our team of social workers and counselors at MMS have suggested the following resources. She really wants to focus on achieving justice for Moussa, Ostmann told NJ Advance Media. It is with a very heavy heart that we confirm there was a shooting last night with multiple victims at Underhill. Superintendent Taylor said Monday, "It is with a very heavy heart that we confirm there was a shooting last night with multiple victims at Underhill. NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Police arrested and charged a Newark man with the murder of Moussa Fofana, an 18-year-old who died in a shooting near Columbia High School in Maplewood. While there are still so many unanswered questions, we ask that everyone respect both family's privacy at this very difficult time.". According to Taylor, both victims were students of Columbia High School. CPD found three victims at the scene, a 16, 17 and 18-year-old. A student was seriously hurt Thursday after he was stabbed by a classmate outside Long Reach High School, the Howard County Police Department said. 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. A high school student was killed in a shooting late Sunday night at a sports complex near Columbia High School in Maplewood. High School Student Fatally Shot Near Soccer Field Where He Excelled, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/07/nyregion/maplewood-shooting.html, Moussa Fofana. Please include express written permission from the photographer for us to use them. Out of respect for the family we are not sharing the names of the students. "He was always so sweet," a friend said. Another 17-year-old who was with the victim, Fofana, was shot in the leg and survived, authorities said. A spokesman for the Essex County Prosecutor's Office was not immediately available to comment on the report or confirm to News 4 the purported deal. The story was updated at 11:20 a.m. with a message from Maplewood Middle School Principal Dara Gronau. Adding to the shock was the crimes setting: near the New Jersey soccer field where Moussa distinguished himself as a leading scorer during his high school teams most recent season. MAPLEWOOD, NJ The superintendent of the South Orange-Maplewood School District announced late on Tuesday that a student at Columbia High School has passed away. . We offer our sincere condolences to the family in their time of need.". Columbia grad student murder puts spotlight on crime, safety record Crime scene unit cars and police officers spent Monday investigating the death of 18-year-old Moussa Fofana, who was shot inside the Maplewood complex. Moussa, 18, was dead. He confirmed there was one male victim but declined to give the age of the victim. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. DeMarion Corbett, a junior at Columbia High School, was killed yesterday (April 20). Hernandez told detectives he grabbed a revolver from Aleman and fired two shots, hitting one of the males, according to the criminal complaint in the case. Sign up with your preferences here. Moussa Fofana, 18, a junior at Columbia High School in Maplewood, N.J., and another student were hit by gunfire on Sunday night. Arriving officers located Fofana, suffering from a gunshot wound. We offer our sincere condolences to the family in their time of need. Friends said Fofana aspired to be a professional soccer player, adding that after school he often looked after his younger brother to help his mom, who owns a business in town. No arrests have been made. Columbia woman charged with murder after police find burning Moussa Fofana became enamored with soccer in middle school, honing his skills at all hours, his mother said. Ms. Fofana, who runs a fashion and styling business in Maplewood, said she immigrated to the United States from Liberia in late 2002. Columbia High School Soccer Star Moussa Fofana Shot To Death At We are also keeping the other student who was injured in our thoughts. The local superintendent described the killing as an inconceivable calamity.. Investigators talked to multiple people on the scene, collected evidence & are following good leads. The 20-year-old Newark man accused of fatally shooting an 18-year-old high school student in Maplewood told police he shot a gun after someone took a swing at him while trying to protect himself and his younger brother, according to court documents and his attorney.

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