BOGALUSA, La. (WGNO) — A 15-year-old was shot and killed outside the stadium during Bogalusa High School’s football game Friday (Oct. 14) night.
A Facebook post from the Bogalusa Police Department said officers were alerted to a disturbance during the school’s homecoming game against Jewel Sumner. While surveying the crowd, officers then heard shots fired outside the stadium.
According to police, 18-20 rounds were fired off by three different people. Details on why the shots were fired were not released, however, we’re told one of the shooters fell victim to the exchange after being struck by gunfire.
The 15-year-old was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. His identity has not yet been released.
The game was called off with just over four minutes left to play. Drone video captured by photographer Kevin Magee shows police cars scattered across the perimeter of the stadium with the scoreboard stopped at 4:09, the exact moment in the game shots rang out.
Video: 15-year-old dead after shots ring out at Louisiana high school football game
School and city officials expressed their grief following the altercation.
In a statement, Bog Bogalusa City Schools Superintendent Lisa Tanner called the incident ‘horrific’, saying, “This horrific act of violence occurred after a wonderful homecoming week that the BHS administration, staff, and students worked hard to provide for our school and community. All week we could feel and see the excitement, with glimpses of years past where the pride was once again evident in our community and stadium. It is heartbreaking that all of this ended with violence outside of our stadium.“
Mayor Wendi Perrette, a graduate of Bogalusa High School, also expressed her concern, calling on her community to come forward in helping solve the murder.
“Our police department is well-trained, well-equipped, and well-staffed, but unless we have a police officer on every corner, preventing violence is the responsibility of our entire city. Police must have the cooperation of every single citizen in both preventing and solving crime. Faith community leaders must step up. Parents must do their jobs. Police alone cannot do this. I cannot do this alone.”
Anyone with information on the investigation is urged to call Bogalusa Police Department at 985-732-3611. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111 and may be eligible for a cash reward.
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