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/. We offer our sincere condolences to the family in their time of need. High School Student Fatally Shot Near Soccer Field Where He Excelled, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/07/nyregion/maplewood-shooting.html, Moussa Fofana. Moussa Fofana. According to RLS Media, residents on Burr Road heard gunfire around 10 p.m., and called police. All rights reserved (About Us). 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. 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 . Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. He also identified the second victim as 17 years old. Moussa Fofana became enamored with soccer in middle school, honing his skills at all hours, his mother said. Richland School District Two hires firm to help search for new superintendent. 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. 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. One person was killed and at least one other was wounded. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Travis Gilmore, Jr., 18, is charged with murder, attempted murder, assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature and possession of a firearm during a violent crime, according to the Columbia Police Department. The letter included links to information about mental health resources and talking to children about grief (see below). 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.. Moussa Fofana, 18, a junior at Columbia High School in Maplewood, N.J., and another student were hit by gunfire on Sunday night. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. WIS News 10 livestreamed CPDs update from the scene. CPD found three victims at the scene, a 16, 17 and 18-year-old. Detectives retrieved video from the scene that shows a silver sedan pull up to the field at approximately 9:16 p.m. and several individuals exit it and go in two different directions, the criminal complaint against Hernandez said. 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. Hernandez at times gazed upwards towards the ceiling as he appeared over Zoom from the Essex County jail. 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. Activities previously scheduled at Underhill Field have been canceled due to the ongoing police investigation as well as outdoor activities at neighboring Clinton Elementary School. Sanchez later sent an email to CHS parents confirming that the deceased student was an 11th grader, and that another student was hospitalized. 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. She sounded stunned that someone would kill him. 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 athletic field serves Columbia High School in Maplewood, but is located .8 miles from the school. Also, all activities at Underhill field are canceled while the investigation proceeds. Please enter valid email address to continue. 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. Moussa, left, became enamored with soccer in middle school, his mother said. ", He added, "We have activated our emergency protocols to provide mental health support for Columbia High School, Maplewood Middle and Clinton Elementary. He would just make my day 10 times better.". Anyone with information about the shooting is being asked to contact their local law enforcement or CrimeStoppers. 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. Students at a nearby elementary school were kept inside for recess during the day as police continued their investigation. Phil Murphy took a moment to acknowledge the victims at the start of the COVID-19 briefing on Monday. That has this school community in disbelief. The athletic field for Columbia High School is approximately .8 miles from the high school and closer to one of the elementary schools in town. 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. Tragically, the police have verified that both victims were Columbia High School students. Calling Fofana's death a tragedy, Gov. Hernandez faces murder, assault and weapons charges in his death. An attorney for Hernandez refused to comment on the plea deal. ABC 17 News reporters saw a Columbia Police Department crime scene investigation van at the scene Wednesday morning and again Wednesday afternoon. "And then there were some people with flashlights walking the track," resident Ellyn Sjoquist said. For the second time in less than a week, we are mourning the loss of one of our students. And on April 17 a student of Lower Richland High School, Desmond Wilson, was found shot . "I was very disappointed and I was very sad," she said, at one point near tears. Investigators want to know who shot and killed a high school student Sunday night at a sports complex in a New Jersey town. Just after 9:30 p.m., neighbors heard gunshots. She was on her way to Pennsylvania late Monday to see Moussas father and had not told her 5-year-old son, Muhammad, about Moussas death, she said. His public defender . pic.twitter.com/4CPG1nZ8Te. On April 20, 1999, they entered Columbine . 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.. "I couldn't sit here and tell you all the things that might go wrong in a criminal prosecution. It is with a very heavy heart that we confirm there was a shooting last night with multiple victims at Underhill. pic.twitter.com/UmUSTVTSr5. Later, Fennelly identified the student as 18-year-old CHS junior, Moussa Fofana. CPD confirmed a 16-year-old died in the shooting. On Tuesday, March 29, we received confirmation of the death of a Columbia High School (CHS) student. We offer our sincere condolences to the family in their time of need. 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. Out of respect for the family we are not sharing the names of the students. De'Marion Corbett, a Columbia High School student, was shot and killed on April 20 at Riverside Apartments. The Maplewood Middle School family cares deeply for one another. A second student, not identified by officials, was shot in the leg and was able to run for help. Got news? Local journalism needs your support. The staff retiree celebration scheduled for Monday evening is postponed. Desmond Wilson, a junior at Lower Richland High School, was killed over the weekend. That student is expected to survive. ", Taylor said that this week and in coming weeks, counselors will be available to help anyone who wants "assistance surrounding this loss.". Watch WIS News 10 at 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. We will follow up with additional communication as we receive clearance from the local law enforcement and the family. Another 16-year-old student suffered minor injuries but did not go to the hospital. Ridge View High School student Tony Abrams, 17, is . He was a very sweet dude," friend Joseph Fabiano added. The Essex County Proescutor's Office said the 17-year-old student had a "non-life-threatening" gunshot wound. No arrest (s) yet. 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. MORE: Albany man charged with attempted . 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. The school's record on student . Ronald G. TaylorSouth Orange & Maplewood School District, Board of Education. 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). / CBS New York. Officials in Maplewood say 18-year-old Moussa Fofana was gunned down . There is an active homicide investigation, said Essex County Prosecutors Office Chief Assistant Prosecutor Thomas Fennelly on Monday morning. 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. 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.. The local superintendent described the killing as an inconceivable calamity.. Fofana starred on his high schools soccer team and his death caused the community to rally in support of his mother, Hawa Fofana. A police officer answered. 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). A hearing was initially set for Thursday, but it was postponed a week. Also, all activities at Underhill field are canceled while the investigation proceeds. 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. identified the student as 18-year-old CHS junior, Moussa Fofana. Contact information for our counselors and social workers is listed on the second page of this document. 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 . 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. A student who was injured also went to Maplewood Middle School. But school Principal Frank Sanchez identified Fofana as an 11th grader, according to a report in Village Green. We offer our sincere condolences to the family in their time of need.". 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. Monitor this social media platform for updates. One teenager was killed and another was injured in a shooting near a New Jersey school on Sunday night, according to Ronald Taylor, the superintendent of the South Orange & Maplewood School District. She said she had seen him earlier on Sunday and later learned of his death online. Out of respect for the family, currently, we are unable to share additional details of the students death. The Essex County Prosecutors Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force has been assigned to investigate. CPD Chief Holbrook said one person was dead and two were injured in the shooting that happened at 12:19 p.m. "Sometimes you might not have a very good case of first-degree murder and sometimes the proofs might lean toward one of the lesser included offenses," Molinelli said. Hundreds rallied to support Hawa Fofana, the mother of 18-year-old Moussa Fofana, during a July rally. Sincerely,Dr. 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. According to Taylor, both victims were students of Columbia High School. Columbine High School shootings, massacre that occurred on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, leaving 15 dead, including the two students responsible for the attack. Her son was later charged in the killing. ", Taylor added, "We ask that everyone respect the familys privacy during this difficult time and keep them in your thoughts and prayers.". "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. Moussa was adored and cherished at MMS, said Maplewood Middle School teacher Suzanne Fein. No arrests have been made. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - A Richland School District Two student is recovering at a local hospital after being stabbed on campus Tuesday. 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. Student Moussa Fofana, 18, was killed at Columbia High School's sports field in Maplewood Sunday and another student was injured. His public defender, Sterling Kinsale, said during a detention hearing Wednesday in Superior Court of Essex County that self-defense could apply to Hernandez. Shots were fired from the dugout, but the witness did not see who fired the shots, according to court documents. I dont think a day went by without him playing.. 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. 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. This has not been confirmed by authorities. "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. Nothing pleased Moussa more than human connection. Please include the articles headline. He was always so sweet, a friend said. The complaint does not indicate who is Aleman.. I was shocked.. ", 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. She cut the caller off and tried Moussas phone using FaceTime. Moussa was a fixture at the complex, which is several blocks from the high school. "I'm not up on the exact details, but just want to acknowledge the tragedy that occurred in Maplewood [Sunday] evening in which an 18-year-old lost his life and a 17-year-old was injured," he said. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Hernandezs attorney said there were requests that the brother give up a bag that he had. 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.. Ms. Fofana, who runs a fashion and styling business in Maplewood, said she immigrated to the United States from Liberia in late 2002. 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 . Fofana, a standout soccer player at Columbia High School, was found fatally shot at Underhill Sports Complex on June 6. Just after 9:30 p.m., neighbors heard gunshots. Adams is not a student at the school, he said. / CBS New York. 5. He never gave problems to anybody.. 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. 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. June 8, 2021 / 10:10 AM We will follow up with additional communication as we receive clearance from the local law enforcement and the family.. He didn't release the age of the second victim but said the student was hospitalized. 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. 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. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. He never gave problems to anybody., Moussa was killed near the Maplewood soccer field where he played for Columbia High School. If you have info to help find the suspect (s) contact @midlandcstopper. Another CHS student was injured and hospitalized. He was a student at Columbia High School. A community is in mourning after a high school student was killed in Maplewood, New Jersey. Arriving officers located Fofana, suffering from a gunshot wound. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. 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. Investigators are gathering information now so additional details are limited. Essex County prosecutors are reportedly leading the investigation. the owner of a popular New York City comedy club. He's not a bad kid. One of them took a swing at him, Hernandez said. The most recent was in January, when a 70-year-old woman was found beaten to death on the balcony of her apartment. Homicides are rare in Maplewood. He's a really good person," neighbor Janae Allen said. 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. Shortly after 12 p.m., the two teens turned their guns on themselves. "It's another case of gun violence in our midst, and please keep him and his memory and their families in your prayers.". 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. When she called her son's cell phone to reach him, a police officer answered. Maplewood police found Fofana dead at the scene, and another student, also 18, shot in the leg. Notice a spelling or grammar error in this article? The suspect is now charged with one count of attempted murder. He was out Sunday night when a friend called to tell Ms. Fofana her son had been shot. DeMarion Corbett, a junior at Columbia High School, was killed yesterday (April 20). Anyone can read what you share. Fofana was in the 11th grade, Principal Frank Sanchez said in his own letter to parents. Their injuries are listed as serious. We have to put people in jail and they have to stay in jail., #ColumbiaPDSC officers were dispatched to 3245 Lucius Road around 12:15 p.m. & found the victims. 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. 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. Click or tap here to report it. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Email from MMS Principal Dara Gronau at 11:13 a.m., June 7, 2021: As you learned in an earlier communication from Dr. Taylor, our community tragically lost a current CHS student who attended MMS for all three years of middle school. 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. 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. The Columbia Police Department has arrested a 20-year-old Columbia woman for murder after locating unidentifiable human remains in north Columbia. Deputy Chief Melron Kelly posted an update online, saying all the victims are school-aged and male. 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.. Gov. 2 min read. The story was updated at 11:20 a.m. with a message from Maplewood Middle School Principal Dara Gronau. First published on August 6, 2021 / 5:22 PM. By approximately 11:35 a.m., Klebold and Harris had killed 12 students and a teacher and wounded more than 20 other people. The older two were taken to the hospital for treatment. Our community is devastated to learn of this tragic loss of a beautiful soul. All activities at Underhill field are canceled while the investigation proceeds. Philip D. Murphy, speaking on Monday at a regular daily news briefing, called the killing another case of gun violence in our midst. Maplewood, a suburban town of about 24,000 residents, is just outside Newark and roughly 20 miles west of Times Square. Investigators have been at the scene, the Underhill Sports Complex, since late Sunday night. Village Green will continue to update this story as we learn more. 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. 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. While there are still so many unanswered questions, we ask that everyone respect both family's privacy at this very difficult time.". Another 17-year-old who was with the victim, Fofana, was shot in the leg and survived, authorities said. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. "He was always so sweet," a friend said. The superintendent for the South Orange and Maplewood School District sent a letter to families notifying them of the shooting. "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. 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. A student who never went without a thank you and a kind smile, grateful for all who engaged with him. Watch Maplewood Patch for more developments. Fofana played soccer for Columbia High School in the fall. 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. '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. The pandemic may have upended his life in other ways over the past academic year, his third in high school, but it could not dim his passion for the game. I have been in direct contact with Police Chief Duval, Mayor McGeehee, Principal Sanchez, Principal Gronau and Principal Connors. 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). Yohan . 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. 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.
