Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the Essex County Prosecutor's Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432. We are also keeping the other student who was injured in our thoughts. Moussa, left, became enamored with soccer in middle school, his mother said. It could be a witness issue, it could be an evidence issue, it could be a certain defense being asserted by the defendant.". Moussa Fofana became enamored with soccer in middle school, honing his skills at all hours, his mother said. Getty Images / David Dee. If you have info to help find the suspect (s) contact @midlandcstopper. 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. 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. 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 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. Ms. Fofana, who runs a fashion and styling business in Maplewood, said she immigrated to the United States from Liberia in late 2002. 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. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Anyone with information about the shooting is being asked to contact their local law enforcement or CrimeStoppers. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This has not been confirmed by authorities. Monitor this social media platform for updates. As the suspect behind Thursday's fatal stabbing of a Columbia University grad student was awaiting a court appearance on Saturday, the campus mourned yet another murdered classmate and . Fennelly confirmed the incident took place at Underhill Field, but that the time was unclear. We will follow up with additional communication as we receive clearance from the local law enforcement and the family," Taylor's letter concluded. The athletic field serves Columbia High School in Maplewood, but is located .8 miles from the school. On April 20, 1999, they entered Columbine . "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. 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. The 11th grader who died attended Columbia High School, and was a soccer star with an upbeat personality. It was one of the deadliest school shooting incidents in American history. Caren Lissner , Patch Staff Posted Wed, Mar 30, 2022 at 12:15 pm . The local superintendent described the killing as an inconceivable calamity.. He's not a bad kid. Moussa Fofana, 18, a junior at Columbia High School in Maplewood, N.J., and another student were hit by gunfire on Sunday night. The older two were taken to the hospital for treatment. Students at a nearby elementary school were kept inside for recess during the day as police continued their investigation. All rights reserved, Jared Leto and Doja Cat Wore Outfits Very Inspired by Karl Lagerfeld's Cat, Choupette, Met Gala 2023: Start Time, Theme, Guests & Everything Else to Know, 20 Students Injured in Long Island School Bus Crash With Pickup Truck, Here's How to Watch 2023 Met Gala Celebrity Arrivals, Met Gala 2023 Live Updates: Fashion Highlights From Carpet, These Are Some of The Best Met Gala Looks in The Last Decade. Hundreds rallied to support Hawa Fofana, the mother of 18-year-old Moussa Fofana, during a July rally. 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. Hernandezs attorney said there were requests that the brother give up a bag that he had. One person was killed and at least one other was wounded. Hawa Fofana (left), the mother of 18-year-old Moussa Fofana (right), who was killed in Maplewood, NJ, on June 6, 2021. Moussa Fofana. She sounded stunned that someone would kill him. Later, Fennelly identified the student as 18-year-old CHS junior, Moussa Fofana. The staff retiree celebration scheduled for Monday evening is postponed. The Essex County Proescutor's Office said the 17-year-old student had a "non-life-threatening" gunshot wound. Investigators want to know who shot and killed a high school student Sunday night at a sports complex in a New Jersey town. 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. Got news? 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. 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 . 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. Officials have not disclosed why the two teens were at the Underhill Field sports complex, a little under a mile from the high school. '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. Also, all activities at Underhill field are canceled while the investigation proceeds. MUPD originally led the investigation after a mother of a University of Missouri student asked MUPD to conduct a welfare check on her son . The Essex County Prosecutors Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force has been assigned to investigate. That student is expected to survive. 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. 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. All activities at Underhill field are canceled while the investigation proceeds. Click or tap here to report it. 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. SOMSD Supt. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Deputy Chief Melron Kelly posted an update online, saying all the victims are school-aged and male. ", He added, "We have activated our emergency protocols to provide mental health support for Columbia High School, Maplewood Middle and Clinton Elementary. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. She said she had seen him earlier on Sunday and later learned of his death online. ", 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. The death of the popular . 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). CPD Chief Holbrook said one person was dead and two were injured in the shooting that happened at 12:19 p.m. 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.. Email caren.lissner@patch.com. DeMarion Corbett, a junior at Columbia High School, was killed yesterday (April 20). Maplewood Mayor Frank McGehee also commented Monday afternoon. She really wants to focus on achieving justice for Moussa, Ostmann told NJ Advance Media. 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. 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. Subscribe at nj.com/supporter. 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. He never gave problems to anybody., Moussa was killed near the Maplewood soccer field where he played for Columbia High School. Moussa was one of two students from Columbia High School in Maplewood to be struck by gunfire near the Underhill Sports Complex late Sunday, officials said. Rosemary Ostmann, who has been a spokeswoman for the Fofana family, said the mother didnt want to speak on the case as it continued to move forward. #ColumbiaPDSC officers are investigating a shooting incident at Riverside Apartments on Lucius Road. June 8, 2021 / 10:10 AM Essex County prosecutors are reportedly leading the investigation. 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. Weve got to have some accountability for people who are unlawfully carrying firearms. The suspects is being charged as an adult and is being house at the juvenile wing of Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center. At approximately 9:38 pm on Sunday, Stephens said, Maplewood police officers were dispatched to area of Underhill Field on reports of a shooting. The second student, also male, sustained a wound that was not considered life-threatening, officials said. 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. He used a Spanish-speaking interpreter to follow the proceeding, but did not speak. On Tuesday, March 29, we received confirmation of the death of a Columbia High School (CHS) student. Our community is devastated to learn of this tragic loss of a beautiful soul. 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. Watch Maplewood Patch for more developments. His public defender, Sterling Kinsale, said during a detention hearing Wednesday in Superior Court of Essex County that self-defense could apply to Hernandez. Maplewoood Police Chief Jim DeVaul referred questions to the ECPO. 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. I dont think a day went by without him playing.. Ridge View High School student Tony Abrams, 17, is . pic.twitter.com/UmUSTVTSr5. Out of respect for the family, currently, we are unable to share additional details of the students death. Fofana, a standout soccer player at Columbia High School, was found fatally shot at Underhill Sports Complex on June 6. The brothers, she said, were very close. 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. 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 District will provide updated information to staff and the District families as it is received. 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 17-year-old student is accused of stabbing a 16-year-old male several times in the upper body before running from the scene. Editors note: This article has been updated at 1 p.m with the name of the victim, Moussa Fofana, an 18-year-old CHS student. 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. 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. Contact information for our counselors and social workers is listed on the second page of this document. 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. De'Marion Corbett, a Columbia High School student, was shot and killed on April 20 at Riverside Apartments. 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. ", 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. 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.. Got photos? Gilmore, Jr. was arrested Monday by the US Marshals Services Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force. Our Crisis Team has been deployed to provide additional support and counseling to students and staff as needed at Columbia High and Lower Richland High. ", Taylor added, "We ask that everyone respect the familys privacy during this difficult time and keep them in your thoughts and prayers.". Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. One of them took a swing at him, Hernandez said. According to Taylor, both victims were students of Columbia High School. He also identified the second victim as 17 years old. Arriving officers located Fofana, suffering from a gunshot wound. Fofana said she wants justice. "If you didn't have money for lunch, he would pay for his lunch. America endured . A police officer answered. 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. First published on August 6, 2021 / 5:22 PM. 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. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. The complaint does not indicate who is Aleman.. Richland County deputies say the stabbing happened around 10 . Tragically, the police have verified that both victims were Columbia High School 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.. 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. A student who never went without a thank you and a kind smile, grateful for all who engaged with him. Just after 9:30 p.m., neighbors heard gunshots. New Jersey Gov. MORE: Albany man charged with attempted . "This was a child that had so many dreams, and his life was taken away in an instant, so he deserves more," she said. "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. 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.