columbia high school student murdered

She said she had seen him earlier on Sunday and later learned of his death online. Moussa Fofana, 18, a junior at Columbia High School in Maplewood, N.J., and another student were hit by gunfire on Sunday night. 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. Fofana starred on his high schools soccer team and his death caused the community to rally in support of his mother, Hawa Fofana. Moussa was adored and cherished at MMS, said Maplewood Middle School teacher Suzanne Fein. "The fact that this can happen here in Maplewood, you know, it's worrisome," 10th grader Scott Barton said. Shots were fired from the dugout, but the witness did not see who fired the shots, according to court documents. 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). Local journalism needs your support. "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. 18-year-old arrested in connection with shooting that killed Columbia High School student. The 11th grader who died attended Columbia High School, and was a soccer star with an upbeat personality. 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. 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. Yohan Hernandez, 20, of Newark, was charged in the murder of Moussa Fofana, a Maplewood high-schooler.courtesy of the Essex County Prosecutor's Office. 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. 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. At approximately 9:38 pm on Sunday, Stephens said, Maplewood police officers were dispatched to area of Underhill Field on reports of a shooting. Watch WIS News 10 at 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. It does not indicate who entered and exited the vehicle. The 18-year-old was identified as Moussa Fofana. 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. He also identified the second victim as 17 years old. Village Green will continue to update this story as we learn more. The District will provide updated information to staff and the District families as it is received. First published on June 8, 2021 / 10:10 AM. SOMSD Supt. Maplewood police found Fofana dead at the scene, and another student, also 18, shot in the leg. We encourage you, as parents, to also feel free to use our resources. 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. Homicides are rare in Maplewood. He said, Once again were going to be talking about the loss of a young person at the hands of somebody with a gun., Investigators found one victim deceased at the scene, the other two were transported to area hospitals for treatment. Monitor this social media platform for updates. COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A Richland School District Two student is recovering at a local hospital after being stabbed on campus Tuesday. We are also keeping the other student who was injured in our thoughts. The 17-year-old suspect fled the scene in an . The school's record on student . One person was killed and at least one other was wounded. #ColumbiaPDSC Update: A 16-year-old male was fatally injured during the shooting incident on Lucius Road. 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. Investigators want to know who shot and killed a high school student Sunday night at a sports complex in a New Jersey town. The story was updated at 11:20 a.m. with a message from Maplewood Middle School Principal Dara Gronau. Tragically, the police have verified that both victims were Columbia High School students. One person was killed and at least one other was wounded," Dr. Ronald Taylor wrote. WIS News 10 livestreamed CPDs update from the scene. . Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens and Maplewood Police Chief Jim Duval said Monday that the incident is being investigated as a homicide, and no arrests had been made. 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). "Im the mother, somebody shot my son and my son was not a criminal," said Fofana. 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. Chief investigative reporter Jonathan Dienst on crime, corruption and terrorism. Please include the articles headline. 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. That was later lifted. Her son was later charged in the killing. Please include express written permission from the photographer for us to use them. This inconceivable calamity is undoubtedly a devastating blow to our students, staff and community. Those who knew Fofana said that he was with two friends when they took a shortcut through the high school football field on their way to another friend's house to watch the Floyd Mayweather-Logan Paul boxing match, but they seemingly got into a fight of their own. "Instead of going all the way around, you can cut through Underhill and I guess they got into an altercation with some people," said Joe Fabiano, a classmate and friend of Fofana. Got news? "If you didn't have money for lunch, he would pay for his lunch. The most recent was in January, when a 70-year-old woman was found beaten to death on the balcony of her apartment. "And then there were some people with flashlights walking the track," resident Ellyn Sjoquist said. When asked if he could imagine why anyone would want to harm Fofana, soccer teammate Joshua Billec said, "I can't. Fofana, a standout soccer player at Columbia High School, was found fatally shot at Underhill Sports Complex on June 6. The 16-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene. The second student, also male, sustained a wound that was not considered life-threatening, officials said. The Columbia Police Department has arrested a 20-year-old Columbia woman for murder after locating unidentifiable human remains in north Columbia. Please enter valid email address to continue. The older two were taken to the hospital for treatment. We will follow up with additional communication as we receive clearance from the local law enforcement and the family. 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 brothers, she said, were very close. While there are still so many unanswered questions, we ask that everyone respect both family's privacy at this very difficult time.". That student is expected to survive. America endured . The defendant claimed that after he shot, he put a gun on a table and another individual who he could not recall, picked up the gun and continued shooting, said Essex County Assistant Prosecutor Austin Edwards. The local superintendent described the killing as an inconceivable calamity.. Phil Lipof reports. Just after 9:30 p.m., neighbors heard gunshots. 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 high school student was killed in a shooting late Sunday night at a sports complex near Columbia High School in Maplewood. "Dear South Orange & Maplewood School District Community," wrote Superintendent Ronald Taylor in a letter, "It is with deep regret that we inform you about a recent loss to our school community. Officials said that the death was being treated as a homicide and that no arrests had been made. 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. "I couldn't sit here and tell you all the things that might go wrong in a criminal prosecution. 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. He would just make my day 10 times better.". 18-year-old arrested in connection with shooting that killed Columbia High School student. Anyone with information about the shooting is being asked to contact their local law enforcement or CrimeStoppers. 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. The Maplewood Middle School family cares deeply for one another. New Jersey Gov. 5. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Romano was released in 2020 after serving more than 15 years behind bars for attempted murder, he fired a shotgun inside the East Greenbush school in 2004. Former Bergen County Prosecutor John Molinelli said that any sort of self-defense claim, as well as witnesses or evidence, can lead prosecutors to make plea deals. '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. 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. Another CHS student was injured and hospitalized. 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. De'Marion Corbett, a Columbia High School student, was shot and killed on April 20 at Riverside Apartments. / CBS New York. "It's another case of gun violence in our midst, and please keep him and his memory and their families in your prayers.". Phil Murphy took a moment to acknowledge the victims at the start of the COVID-19 briefing on Monday. Columbia University has one of the worst crime and safety records in the nation, according to multiple reports on higher education. In July, authorities offered a $50,000 reward for information about the deadly shooting. ALBANY Jon W. Romano, who has sought redemption for firing a shotgun at students and teachers inside Columbia High School as a teenager in 2004, was the victim in Monday's vicious attack at . YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Hawa Fofana (left), the mother of 18-year-old Moussa Fofana (right), who was killed in Maplewood, NJ, on June 6, 2021. First published on August 6, 2021 / 5:22 PM. The nannys boyfriend was charged in the killings. 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. 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. According to RLS Media, residents on Burr Road heard gunfire around 10 p.m., and called police. MORE: Albany man charged with attempted . He was always so sweet, a friend said. It was like they put cold water over my whole body, she said. ", He added, "We have activated our emergency protocols to provide mental health support for Columbia High School, Maplewood Middle and Clinton Elementary. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Watch WIS News 10 at 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. 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. 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. the owner of a popular New York City comedy club. Out of respect for the family we are not sharing the names of the students. pic.twitter.com/4CPG1nZ8Te. Subscribe at nj.com/supporter. COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A teen has been arrested in . We will follow up with additional communication as we receive clearance from the local law enforcement and the family," Taylor's letter concluded. "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. ", He added, "We understand that this loss is sure to raise many emotions, concerns, and questions not only for our students, but also for members of our staff and parent community. No arrest (s) yet. A student was seriously hurt Thursday after he was stabbed by a classmate outside Long Reach High School, the Howard County Police Department said. Investigators are gathering information now so additional details are limited. Getty Images / David Dee. Caren Lissner , Patch Staff Posted Mon, Jun 7, 2021 at 10:59 am ET . The brother ran behind Hernandez and two males approached him, he told police. The injured student was transported to a local hospital or treatment. It was one of the deadliest school shooting incidents in American history. "It's more of like a family-friendly environment," Allen said. Calling Fofana's death a tragedy, Gov. All activities at Underhill field are canceled while the investigation proceeds. #ColumbiaPDSC officers are investigating a shooting incident at Riverside Apartments on Lucius Road. Fofana said she wants justice. 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. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. He took virtual classes all morning, and then played soccer every other hour, his mother, Hawa Fofana, said. Hernandezs attorney said there were requests that the brother give up a bag that he had. Sincerely,Dr. He didn't release the age of the second victim but said the student was hospitalized. Caren Lissner , Patch Staff Posted Wed, Mar 30, 2022 at 12:15 pm . 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. 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. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. 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. Until such time as information is received, we are making preparations for addressing the needs of our students, staff and families. Richland One Superintendent Dr. Craig Witherspoon issued a statement. She sounded stunned that someone would kill him. Yohan . COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) Richland deputies say the suspect in today's stabbing incident at Ridge View High School has been charged as an adult. "He was a good child and for somebody to take his life just like that and for you guys to come here and sit here and tell me you guys are going to give him 15 years in prison, that was like a slap in the face to me and my family.". 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. "He . READ MORE: 'Loss To The World': Maplewood Shooting Victim Mourned. June 8, 2021 / 10:10 AM The person on the bike, who was identified as Hernandezs brother during the court hearing Wednesday, went into a dugout on the baseball field, the witness told detectives. Moussa Fofana became enamored with soccer in middle school, honing his skills at all hours, his mother said. That has this school community in disbelief. Rebecca Panico may be reached at rpanico@njadvancemedia.com. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. "He didnt deserve to be shot just like thatOur life is never going to be the same, never.". Officials in Maplewood say 18-year-old Moussa Fofana was gunned down around 9:30 p.m. at Underhill Field, blocks away from Columbia High School where he was a junior. 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/. One person was killed and at least one other was wounded. Also, all activities at Underhill field are canceled while the investigation proceeds. This article has been updated at 10:03 a.m. with more information from CHS Principal Frank Sanchez, confirmed that the victim was an 11th grader, and that another student was injured. Superior Court Judge Michael Ravin accepted the move, reiterating that Hernandez would be detained as his case on the murder charge moved forward. We are activating the County Grief Counseling Services via the Traumatic Loss Coalition, to support our students and staff.". ", Taylor said that this week and in coming weeks, counselors will be available to help anyone who wants "assistance surrounding this loss.". He never gave problems to anybody., Moussa was killed near the Maplewood soccer field where he played for Columbia High School. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Yohan Hernandez, 20, was taken into custody on August 5, the Essex County Prosecutor's Office said Friday. ", 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 said there would be more information later Monday. Maplewoood Police Chief Jim DeVaul referred questions to the ECPO. Weve got to have some accountability for people who are unlawfully carrying firearms. 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. Students and staff flee as two heavily armed teenagers go on a shooting rampage at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado on April 20, 1999. CPD Chief Holbrook said one person was dead and two were injured in the shooting that happened at 12:19 p.m. The suspects is being charged as an adult and is being house at the juvenile wing of Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center. I dont think a day went by without him playing.. Out of respect for the family, currently, we are unable to share additional details of the students death. "He was always so sweet," a friend said. 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The mother of a New Jersey high school soccer star murdered last year reportedly says she's "disappointed and sad" that her son's alleged killer will receive a plea deal and serve just 15 years in prison. 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. Hernandez faces murder, assault and weapons charges in his death. "It is with a very heavy heart that we confirm there was a shooting last night with multiple victims at Underhill. He confirmed there was one male victim but declined to give the age of the victim. Later, Fennelly identified the student as 18-year-old CHS junior, Moussa Fofana. 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). 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.. Gilmore, Jr. was arrested Monday by the US Marshals Services Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Phil Murphy addressed the shooting death at the start of his press briefing on Monday. No arrests have 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. "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. Their injuries are listed as serious. And on April 17 a student of Lower Richland High School, Desmond Wilson, was found shot . residents on Burr Road heard gunfire around 10 p.m. Maplewood Memorial Library on Track for Fall 24 Maplewoodstock Music and Arts Festival 2023 Announces Headliners. We offer our sincere condolences to the family in their time of need. She cut the caller off and tried Moussas phone using FaceTime. We offer our sincere condolences to the family in their time of need. The investigation is active and ongoing. Ridge View High School student Tony Abrams, 17, is . The Maplewood teenager was pronounced dead at the scene at 10:24 p.m. The death of the popular . He's a really good person," neighbor Janae Allen said. He was always so sweet, she said. MUPD originally led the investigation after a mother of a University of Missouri student asked MUPD to conduct a welfare check on her son . If you have info to help find the suspect (s) contact @midlandcstopper. Dr. Ronald G. Taylor, the South Orange-Maplewood schools superintendent, said in a letter to parents and staff members that the shooting was an inconceivable calamity., Suzanne Fein, who was among Moussas middle school teachers, described him to the local news website The Village Green as a student who never went without a thank you and a kind smile, grateful for all who engaged with him.. He used a Spanish-speaking interpreter to follow the proceeding, but did not speak. sign up for Patch breaking news alerts or daily newsletters. But school Principal Frank Sanchez identified Fofana as an 11th grader, according to a report in Village Green. The suspect is now charged with one count of attempted murder. pic.twitter.com/UmUSTVTSr5. 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. The District will provide updated information to staff and the District families as it is received. Moussa was a fixture at the complex, which is several blocks from the high school. 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. The other 2 male victims who are at a local hospital are 18 & 17-years-old. He never gave problems to anybody.. Ronald G. TaylorSouth Orange & Maplewood School District, Board of Education. 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. 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. 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. Ms. Fofana, who runs a fashion and styling business in Maplewood, said she immigrated to the United States from Liberia in late 2002. By approximately 11:35 a.m., Klebold and Harris had killed 12 students and a teacher and wounded more than 20 other people. Fennelly confirmed the incident took place at Underhill Field, but that the time was unclear.

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