Former Auburn football players Ed Christian and Ladarius Phillips have been shot and killed at an Auburn, Alabama area apartment complex (University Heights) while current player Eric Mack is being treated at hospital. Two others have also reportedly been shot and the alleged shooter is still at large.
The Auburn, Alabama Police Department are holding a press conference later this morning to provide more details, but what is known is that several men were in an argument over a woman at a pool party and some who started in the argument returned with weapons and started shooting indiscriminately. The shooters have no link to the Auburn football program.
Here's video from the scene early this morning...
Samuel King is on site early this morning...
((HT: WSFA-TV Montgomery))
More when we know more...
NOON UPDATE: Auburn Head Coach Gene Chizik referenced the Phillips family and said: "Anything that they need that the Auburn football family can provide, they will." He also was in contact with Phillips' high school coach early this morning to tell him the news...
Charles Goldberg is now listing the number of shot to as many as seven
Auburn Police are scheduling a 2PM EDT presser
1330 UPDATE: Jay G. Tate of the Montgomery Advertiser, via his Twitter, is saying that, according to witness accounts, the pool party was moved into the apartment complex clubhouse because of rain and the alleged shooter blocked the exit and started shooting...
Also: Witness says gunman got into altercation with an unidentified Auburn football player, initially pledged to keep it "one on one."
Auburn University President Dr. Jay Gogue released the following statement:
"We’re deeply saddened about last night’s tragic events that impacted the Auburn community and the Auburn family. Our heart-felt condolences go out to the victims and their families. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. We’re in constant contact with area authorities and will continue to assist in any way possible. Our attention is now focused on providing care and support to those touched by this tragedy.”
1400 UPDATE: The entire Auburn detectives section has been assigned to the shooting as well as other jurisdictions including multiple sheriff's, state, and federal agencies.
The vehicle that left the scene was found abandoned- a white Chevy Caprice. The 22-year-old suspect, Desmonte Leonard
(pictured, thanks Montgomery Advertiser/Auburn Police Department), of Montgomery is subject to an active manhunt. There are 2 other persons of interest. Leonard now has three warrants out on capital murder and is considered armed and dangerous.
The Victims (3): Ed Christian, Ladarious Phillips, and Demario Pitts of Auburn
One (1) Treated and released: Xavier Moss
John Robertson is listed in critical condition in surgery at UAB Medical Center
Auburn football player Eric Mack is currently being treated at East Alabama Medical Center. His injuries are not considered life-threatening.
Police do have a motive, but they're not releasing it at present. They did confirm the idea of a pool party at the apartment complex. Police confirm that there is no connection between the football program at Auburn and the shooting.
Here are statements from Auburn University Head Coach Gene Chizik and Director of Athletics Jay Jacobs...
Coach Chizik...
"This is a sad, sad day for everyone associated with the entire Auburn family. I am devastated by the passing of three young men, including two that I personally knew in Ed Christian and Ladarious Phillips and my heart goes out to their families. My thoughts and prayers are with their families and all of the victims involved in this tragic incident. Nobody should ever have to endure such unimaginable grief, and we will love and support the victims' families during this terribly difficult time. We have a lot of people on our football team that are hurting right now and we're going to do everything we can to help them get through this. We are relieved that Eric Mack, who was also a victim in this incident, is expected to make a full recovery. This is a very trying time for everyone involved, and I would just ask that you lift up the victims and their families in your prayers."
Jay Jacobs
"This is a tragic day for the entire Auburn community. First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families who have been devastated by this senseless tragedy. We will support the families of the victims in the difficult days ahead in every way that we possibly can. Our student-athletes are obviously stunned and deeply saddened, and we are providing counseling and support for them as they grieve the loss of their teammates and friends."
More when we know more...
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