columbia high school student murdered

The athletic field serves Columbia High School in Maplewood, but is located .8 miles from the school. Richland County Sheriff's deputies searched the area using ground and air units and found the suspect around 12:30 p.m. at an off-campus location. 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. The local superintendent described the killing as an inconceivable calamity.. America endured . 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 . 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. Moussa Fofana, 18, a junior at Columbia High School in Maplewood, N.J., and another student were hit by gunfire on Sunday night. 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. We ask everyone to keep those school communities and the families of the two students in your thoughts and prayers., The Columbia Police Department announced theyre investigating a shooting at Riverside Apartments in the 3200 block of Lucius Rd. 'Its not something that you typically see': Unique tree carving spotted by Cordova Police Department, Local Students head to Disney World to battle out their cooking skills at the Cook Around The World Competition, May features the Moon and the celestial twins, Groundbreaking singer, activist Harry Belafonte has died, Buffalo school bus driver fired after threatening to shoot students, New Orleans senior shatters U.S. record with 125 college offers, $9 million in scholarships. 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. Columbine High School Shooting: Victims & Killers - History Anyone can read what you share. ", Taylor said that this week and in coming weeks, counselors will be available to help anyone who wants "assistance surrounding this loss.". Student hospitalized after stabbing at Ridge View High School, suspect All activities at Underhill field are canceled while the investigation proceeds. Investigators have been at the scene, the Underhill Sports Complex, since late Sunday night. Essex County prosecutors are reportedly leading the investigation. According to RLS Media, residents on Burr Road heard gunfire around 10 p.m., and called police. Moussa Fofana. 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. We offer our sincere condolences to the family in their time of need. Sword attack victim reportedly 2004 Columbia High School shooter courtesy of the Essex County Prosecutor's Office, Rebecca Panico | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, 18-year-old high school student in Maplewood, was arrested on a murder charge last week, Moussa Fofana, a Columbia High School student, community to rally in support of his mother. We are also keeping the other student who was injured in our thoughts. Don't miss Maplewood or South Orange breaking news alerts when they are announced, or get a free daily newsletter each morning with local news. The District will provide updated information to staff and the District families as it is received. The story was updated at 11:20 a.m. with a message from Maplewood Middle School Principal Dara Gronau. The District will provide updated information to staff and the District families as it is received. READ MORE: 'Loss To The World': Maplewood Shooting Victim Mourned. Officials said that the death was being treated as a homicide and that no arrests had been made. Sanchez later sent an email to CHS parents confirming that the deceased student was an 11th grader, and that another student was hospitalized. "This was a child that had so many dreams, and his life was taken away in an instant, so he deserves more," she said. The shootings were carried out by Eric Harris, age 18, and Dylan Klebold, age 17. All rights reserved (About Us). An attorney for Hernandez refused to comment on the plea deal. In that time, they had murdered 12 students and one teacher in what was then the deadliest school shooting in American history. Hernandez faces murder, assault and weapons charges in his death. While there are still so many unanswered questions, we ask that everyone respect both family's privacy at this very difficult time.". Moussa was adored and cherished at MMS, said Maplewood Middle School teacher Suzanne Fein. We have activated our emergency protocols to provide mental health support for Columbia High School, Maplewood Middle and Clinton Elementary. Out of respect for the family we are not sharing the names of the students. The suspects is being charged as an adult and is being house at the juvenile wing of Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center. 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). She really wants to focus on achieving justice for Moussa, Ostmann told NJ Advance Media. Acting Prosecutor Fennelly and South Orange-Maplewood Schools Superintendent Ronald Taylor (whose letter from Monday morning is below) did not give further information about the students. Contact information for our counselors and social workers is listed on the second page of this document. Investigators talked to multiple people on the scene, collected evidence & are following good leads. The superintendent for the South Orange and Maplewood School District sent a letter to families notifying them of the shooting. A New York Times report Monday night said that Fofana's mother was not sure why her son was there, and that a friend called to tell her he had been shot. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. 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. Hernandez allegedly told investigators that his brother said two males were following him. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Hernandez, then 20, of Newark, was arrested in August 2021. A high school student was killed in a shooting late Sunday night at a sports complex near Columbia High School in Maplewood. Moussa Fofana, 18, a junior at Columbia High School in Maplewood, N.J., and another student were hit by gunfire on Sunday night. MAPLEWOOD, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- A northern New Jersey community is mourning the loss of an 11th grade student who was fatally shot on his way to a friend's house. Sign up with your preferences here. "It's more of like a family-friendly environment," Allen said. Yohan Hernandez was arrested on a murder charge last week in the killing of Moussa Fofana, a Columbia High School student, at Underhill Sports Complex on the night of June 6. After Death Of Maplewood Student, High School Offers Counseling No arrest (s) yet. Maplewood Shooting: Police ID Teen Fatally Shot (UPDATED) Another 17-year-old who was with the victim, Fofana, was shot in the leg and survived, authorities said. The nannys boyfriend was charged in the killings. We will follow up with additional communication as we receive clearance from the local law enforcement and the family," Taylor's letter concluded. The South-Orange Maplewood district is one of the more desired districts among families moving from New York City to the suburbs (read more). The most recent was in January, when a 70-year-old woman was found beaten to death on the balcony of her apartment. 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). Hawa Fofana (left), the mother of 18-year-old Moussa Fofana (right), who was killed in Maplewood, NJ, on June 6, 2021. 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. He was always so sweet, a friend said. Investigators were seen searching the bleachers, the field and the track for evidence Monday morning. 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.. / CBS New York. 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. #ColumbiaPDSC Update: A 16-year-old male was fatally injured during the shooting incident on Lucius Road. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. We offer our sincere condolences to the family in their time of need.". "If you didn't have money for lunch, he would pay for his lunch. Gov. The witness was not identified in the document and it did not indicate why they were following the person. Details emerge after 20-year-old Columbia woman arrested for murder Got news? By approximately 11:35 a.m., Klebold and Harris had killed 12 students and a teacher and wounded more than 20 other people. 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. Columbia University murder suspect awaiting arraignment - New York Post "It is with a very heavy heart that we confirm there was a shooting last night with multiple victims at Underhill. I dont think a day went by without him playing.. Until such time as information is received, we are making preparations for addressing the needs of our students, staff and families. Notice a spelling or grammar error in this article? One person was killed and at least one other was wounded. 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. 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.. Hernandez told detectives he fled the field at that point, the complaint said. The school's record on student . Please include the articles headline. Newark Man Charged With Murder Of Columbia High School Student Moussa Moussa was born in New York and then lived in New Jersey for several years. Our community is devastated to learn of this tragic loss of a beautiful soul. UPDATE: BREAKING: Columbia High School Student Killed, Another Injured Students at a nearby elementary school were kept inside for recess during the day as police continued their investigation. 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. It is with a very heavy heart that we confirm there was a shooting last night with multiple victims at Underhill. As Columbia High School parents and members of our community, Marie and I are absolutely heartbroken. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. "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. Neighbors told CBS2 off camera that recently there had been people gathering in the field doing drugs and drinking alcohol, but Sunday's incident was the first time anyone heard of any violence. MUPD originally led the investigation after a mother of a University of Missouri student asked MUPD to conduct a welfare check on her son . Every single time when I was stressed out, he'd walk up to me and he would just sit with me and he would talk to me about it. "He . COLUMBIA A pair of 17-year-old Dreher High School students have been arrested and charged as adults in the shooting death of an A.C. Flora High School senior, Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott . 18-year-old arrested in connection with shooting that killed Columbia High School student. There is an active homicide investigation, said Essex County Prosecutors Office Chief Assistant Prosecutor Thomas Fennelly on Monday morning. 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). He never gave problems to anybody., Moussa was killed near the Maplewood soccer field where he played for Columbia High School. He never gave problems to anybody.. It may be questionable where the gun was retrieved from, Kinsale said, but Mr. Hernandez used the gun to defend both he and his brother against individuals who (he) did not know - did not know what their purpose was - and who admitted in discovery as they gave statements to the state that they pursued these individuals with no clear purpose.. That has this school community in disbelief. He confirmed there was one male victim but declined to give the age of the victim. But school Principal Frank Sanchez identified Fofana as an 11th grader, according to a report in Village Green. Richland School District Two hires firm to help search for new superintendent. Prosecutors will meet again with Fofana next week to again go over the case with her and her lawyer, after the mother requested to speak with them. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. With a police vehicles lights flashing around them, investigators worked to piece together what had happened the night before, and local residents expressed shock that a fatal shooting had occurred in what they said was a typically quiet neighborhood. The 16-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene. Here is Superintendent Taylor's full letter: Dear South Orange & Maplewood School Community. Anyone with information about the shooting is being asked to contact their local law enforcement or CrimeStoppers. The 18-year-old was identified as Moussa Fofana. The Maplewood Middle School family cares deeply for one another. He said there would be more information later Monday. 18-year-old arrested in connection with shooting that killed Columbia High School student. Student Moussa Fofana, 18, was killed at Columbia High School's sports field in Maplewood Sunday and another student was injured. Columbine High School Shooting: The Full Story Behind The Tragedy 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. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. "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. 2 min read. Richland Two spokesperson Greg Turchetta and Richland County Sheriff's deputies said the students were involved in a fight at Ridge View High School on Hard Scrabble Road around 10 a.m. Tuesday morning. 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. COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A teen has been arrested in connection with a shooting that killed a 16-year-old and injured two more teens. Weve got to have some accountability for people who are unlawfully carrying firearms. The investigation is active and ongoing. First published on August 6, 2021 / 5:22 PM. 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. I was shocked.. 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 . Fofana said she wants justice. The 17-year-old suspect fled the scene in an . Shots were fired from the dugout, but the witness did not see who fired the shots, according to court documents. Columbia woman charged with murder after police find burning I have been in direct contact with Police Chief Duval, Mayor McGeehee, Principal Sanchez, Principal Gronau and Principal Connors. "I need him to be life in prison because my life, and my family life, will never be the same.". 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. It was like they put cold water over my whole body, she said. 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. Columbia University has one of the worst crime and safety records in the nation, according to multiple reports on higher education. Banned Book Readings And More Planned For Maplewood 'Day Of Action', Gaze Over South Mountain Preserve From Maplewood Home Just Listed, Around Maplewood: Tax Protest + Mom Mourns Sons + Real Estate, Take better care of your bones Join HSS for a new webinar on 5/3, Lunch & Learn: Discover the Gift of Funeral & Cremation Preplanning, Expressions of Love+Unity Open Mic Showcase, Help Homeless Families by Attending Millburn/Short Hills Rummage Sale, Whos Hiring In Maplewood: This Weeks Newest Job Openings, Apartment Rental Scam Reported In Newark; Cops Search For Suspects, Flood Warning Extended For Essex County Until 11 PM Monday, Business That Hires Staff With Autism Holds Grand Opening In Maplewood. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. He's a really good person," neighbor Janae Allen said. Phil Murphy addressed the shooting death at the start of his press briefing on Monday. Shortly after 12 p.m., the two teens turned their guns on themselves. He normally stays to himself. 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. A witness who was with Fofana at the baseball field told detectives they were chasing someone on a bike, according to court documents in the case. The complaint does not indicate who is Aleman.. For the second time in less than a week, we are mourning the loss of one of our students. pic.twitter.com/UmUSTVTSr5. Fennelly confirmed the incident took place at Underhill Field, but that the time was unclear. 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. A community is in mourning after a high school student was killed in Maplewood, New Jersey. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. "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. He used a Spanish-speaking interpreter to follow the proceeding, but did not speak. Hernandez also faces charges of aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. The Columbia Police Department has arrested a 20-year-old Columbia woman for murder after locating unidentifiable human remains in north Columbia. Mental health support will be provided at the high school, as well as Maplewood Middle and Clinton Elementary. "Broke my heart, first time I heard it," school crossing guard Wilbert Pitt said. Columbine school shooting 20 years later: Victims' families reflect on June 8, 2021 / 10:10 AM Please include express written permission from the photographer for us to use them. Maplewood police found Fofana dead at the scene, and another student, also 18, shot in the leg. . A hearing was initially set for Thursday, but it was postponed a week. I have notified our County Executive Superintendent of Schools and we are activating the County Grief Counseling Services via the Traumatic Loss Coalition, to support our students and staff.. With this devastating news, I have confirmed with our Board of Education that the retiree celebration scheduled for this evening will be canceled and postponed to a later date. 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. High school student killed and another injured in shooting near - CNN 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. "And then there were some people with flashlights walking the track," resident Ellyn Sjoquist said. Nothing pleased Moussa more than human connection. Adams is not a student at the school, he said. On April 20, 1999, they entered Columbine . Columbine High School shootings | Date, Shooters, History, & Facts Investigators are gathering information now so additional details are limited.