UPDATE: Springfield Police find new leads in deadly shooting investigation
UPDATE at 4:30 p.m.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Springfield Police said that, in the hours since the deadly shooting of a Southeast High School student, the investigation has turned up several leads and new information.
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Department officials said detectives are questioning multiple people considered to be persons of interest. Two vehicles have been identified as being involved in the shooting and warrants are being served in three locations.
There will be an additional police presence at Springfield schools in the coming days, officials added. Based on the information Springfield Police currently has, the shooting did not appear to be random.
UPDATE at 1:30 p.m.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Springfield Public Schools said that out of an abundance of caution and to allow law enforcement to keep investigating Wednesday’s shooting, all middle school and high school athletic events and after-school activities on Wednesday will be postponed.
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“District Administration and Athletic Directors will be working to reschedule events based on priority and availability,” district officials said. “Please be patient as this information will be shared with student-athletes and families as soon as it becomes available.
Events scheduled for Thursday will be assessed after district officials consult with the Springfield Police Department that day.
UPDATE at 12:20 p.m.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Springfield Public Schools has confirmed through a statement that the victim of Wednesday’s deadly shooting near Southeast High School was a student at that school.
“Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends of the victim during this difficult time,” the district said in its statement.
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The district added that it is grateful for the “swift and coordinated response” of law enforcement in responding to the shooting. Officials also said there will be extra patrols and security in the area of the two schools for as long as it is needed.
The district’s Crisis Response Team will also be available to support students and staff through this time.
UPDATE at 11:25 a.m.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — The Springfield Police Department has confirmed that a 16-year-old died following a shooting Wednesday morning that prompted a soft lockdown at two nearby schools.
The shooting happened in the area of Taylor and Cornell Avenues, within a few blocks of Southeast High School and Ball Charter School. Officials said officers were dispatched at 8:42 a.m. for a report of a male shot near the roadway; the officers found the 16-year-old there with a gunshot wound to the lower torso.
The victim was taken to HSHS St. John’s Hospital by ambulance and went into surgery but did not survive. He was pronounced dead at 9:49 a.m.
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The two schools near the scene of the shooting were placed on a soft lockdown when the shooting was reported, but both lockdowns have since been lifted.
The Springfield Police Criminal Investigations Division is investigating the deadly shooting. Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon said an autopsy for the teen is scheduled for Thursday while his identity will be withheld until his family can be notified.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Springfield Public Schools District 186 went under a soft lockdown Wednesday morning, for what school officials called a “disturbance in the neighborhood.”
According to Rachel Dyas, SPS Marketing, Media & Public Relations Coordinator, the soft lockdown has since been lifted.
This is a developing story.
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