First published on August 6, 2021 / 5:22 PM. 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. Anyone can read what you share. His next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 13. He was a student at Columbia High School. Mental health support will be provided at the high school, as well as Maplewood Middle and Clinton Elementary. On April 20, 1999, two students opened fire at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, gunning down 12 of their fellow students and a teacher before killing themselves. Moussa was a fixture at the complex, which is several blocks from the high school. The Essex County Prosecutors Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force has been assigned to investigate. He was out Sunday night when a friend called to tell Ms. Fofana her son had been shot. And on April 17 a student of Lower Richland High School, Desmond Wilson, was found shot . Essex County prosecutors are reportedly leading the investigation. We are activating the County Grief Counseling Services via the Traumatic Loss Coalition, to support our students and staff.". 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. Until such time as information is received, we are making preparations for addressing the needs of our students, staff and families. 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. ", Taylor said that this week and in coming weeks, counselors will be available to help anyone who wants "assistance surrounding this loss.". 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. Ridge View High School student Tony Abrams, 17, is . He confirmed there was one male victim but declined to give the age of the victim. The brothers, she said, were very close. 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. Out of respect for the family, currently, we are unable to share additional details of the students death. The person on the bike, who was identified as Hernandezs brother during the court hearing Wednesday, went into a dugout on the baseball field, the witness told detectives. Anyone with information about the shooting is being asked to contact their local law enforcement or CrimeStoppers. Columbia University has one of the worst crime and safety records in the nation, according to multiple reports on higher education. Later, Fennelly identified the student as 18-year-old CHS junior, Moussa Fofana. According to Taylor, both victims were students of Columbia High School. 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. She sounded stunned that someone would kill him. 18-year-old arrested in connection with shooting that killed Columbia High School student. The vehicle was tracked by surveillance video and it was seen parking in Irvington. Kinsale consented to his clients detention at a local county jail because the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has an immigration detainer on Hernandez. Investigators are gathering information now so additional details are limited. . 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. 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. UPDATE: BREAKING: Columbia High School Student Killed, Another Injured In July, authorities offered a $50,000 reward for information about the deadly shooting. Friends said Fofana aspired to be a professional soccer player, adding that after school he often looked after his younger brother to help his mom, who owns a business in town. At this time, their injuries are listed as serious. Talking to children about death: an age-by-age guide. Getty Images / David Dee. On April 20, 1999, they entered Columbine . Investigators were seen searching the bleachers, the field and the track for evidence Monday morning. 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. 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. 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. While there are still so many unanswered questions, we ask that everyone respect both family's privacy at this very difficult time.". Watch WIS News 10 at 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. 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. I have been in direct contact with Police Chief Duval, Mayor McGeehee, Principal Sanchez, Principal Gronau and Principal Connors. 2 17-year-olds arrested in gun-slaying of Columbia high school student If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 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. "He's always either outside playing with a soccer ball. "This was a child that had so many dreams, and his life was taken away in an instant, so he deserves more," she said. The suspect is now charged with one count of attempted murder. He normally stays to himself. De'Marion Corbett, a Columbia High School student, was shot and killed on April 20 at Riverside Apartments. Sign up with your preferences here. 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. Crime scene unit cars and police officers spent Monday investigating the death of 18-year-old Moussa Fofana, who was shot inside the Maplewood complex. COLUMBIA, S.C. Deputies from the Richland County Sheriff's Department have a 17-year-old suspect in custody following a fight that left two 16-year-old students injured at a Richland Two high school. Their injuries are listed as serious. That student is expected to survive. He didn't release the age of the second victim but said the student was hospitalized. The investigation is active and ongoing. The Columbia Police Department has arrested a 20-year-old Columbia woman for murder after locating unidentifiable human remains in north Columbia. He used a Spanish-speaking interpreter to follow the proceeding, but did not speak. "I was very disappointed and I was very sad," she said, at one point near tears. 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.. CPD Chief Holbrook said one person was dead and two were injured in the shooting that happened at 12:19 p.m. The 11th grader who died attended Columbia High School, and was a soccer star with an upbeat personality. High school student killed and another injured in shooting near - CNN Hernandez told detectives he fled the field at that point, the complaint said. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. 18-year-old arrested in connection with shooting that killed Columbia He was always so sweet, she said. Caren Lissner , Patch Staff Posted Mon, Jun 7, 2021 at 10:59 am ET . Maplewood Middle School Principal Dara Gronau also sent a letter out to the MMS community late Monday morning, confirming that both the deceased victim and the injured victim were MMS alumni and offering counseling and support to students. Notice a spelling or grammar error in this article? When asked if he could imagine why anyone would want to harm Fofana, soccer teammate Joshua Billec said, "I can't. 5. "He . He took virtual classes all morning, and then played soccer every other hour, his mother, Hawa Fofana, said. 20 years after Columbine, what's changed -- and what hasn't -- for Moussa, 18, was dead. 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. Richland School District Two hires firm to help search for new superintendent. He's a really good person," neighbor Janae Allen said. 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.. A second student, not identified by officials, was shot in the leg and was able to run for help. 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. It was like they put cold water over my whole body, she said. It was one of the deadliest school shooting incidents in American history. A high school student was killed in a shooting late Sunday night at a sports complex near Columbia High School in Maplewood. No arrests have been made. Columbia University murder suspect awaiting arraignment - New York Post High School Student Fatally Shot Near Soccer Field Where He Excelled COLUMBIA, S.C. Deputies from the Richland County Sheriff's Department have a 17-year-old suspect in custody following a fight that left two 16-year-old students injured at a Richland Two high . The Maplewood Middle School family cares deeply for one another. When she called her son's cell phone to reach him, a police officer answered. The attorney for Hernandez has argued argued there was some sort of altercation that lead to the shooting, and his client was acting in self-defense even though the circumstances of what happened the night of the shooting are still murky. "Broke my heart, first time I heard it," school crossing guard Wilbert Pitt said. The 17-year-old suspect is being charged as an adult. 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. He was a very sweet dude," friend Joseph Fabiano added. Gov. Just after 9:30 p.m., neighbors heard gunshots. 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. We will follow up with additional communication as we receive clearance from the local law enforcement and the family," Taylor's letter concluded. The 16-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Also, all activities at Underhill field are canceled while the investigation proceeds. Moussa Fofana, 18, a junior at Columbia High School in Maplewood, N.J., and another student were hit by gunfire on Sunday night. We offer our sincere condolences to the family in their time of need. Weve got to have some accountability for people who are unlawfully carrying firearms. 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. One person was killed and at least one other was wounded. Phil Lipof reports. Student Moussa Fofana, 18, was killed at Columbia High School's sports field in Maplewood Sunday and another student was injured. It is with a very heavy heart that we confirm there was a shooting last night with multiple victims at Underhill. "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. Caren Lissner , Patch Staff Posted Wed, Mar 30, 2022 at 12:15 pm . 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.. 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. Richland One Superintendent Dr. Craig Witherspoon issued a statement. Just after 9:30 p.m., neighbors heard gunshots. Moussa Fofana became enamored with soccer in middle school, honing his skills at all hours, his mother said. 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 . #ColumbiaPDSC officers are investigating a shooting incident at Riverside Apartments on Lucius Road. 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. 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. Officials in Maplewood say 18-year-old Moussa Fofana was gunned down around 9:30 p.m. at Underhill Field, blocks away from Columbia High School where he was a junior. "He was always so sweet," a friend said. At approximately 9:38 pm on Sunday, Stephens said, Maplewood police officers were dispatched to area of Underhill Field on reports of a shooting. Our community is devastated to learn of this tragic loss of a beautiful soul. Here is Superintendent Taylor's full letter: Dear South Orange & Maplewood School Community. Nothing pleased Moussa more than human connection. / CBS New York. 2 min read. High School Student Fatally Shot Near Soccer Field Where He Excelled, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/07/nyregion/maplewood-shooting.html, Moussa Fofana. A report in RLS Media said the death occurred off school grounds. ", Taylor added, "We ask that everyone respect the familys privacy during this difficult time and keep them in your thoughts and prayers.". The staff retiree celebration scheduled for Monday evening is postponed. Subscribe at nj.com/supporter. The District will provide updated information to staff and the District families as it is received. 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). 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. 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.. Moussa, left, became enamored with soccer in middle school, his mother said. Hernandez allegedly told investigators that his brother said two males were following him. Another student was also injured in the shooting, CBS2's Lisa Rozner reported Monday. But school Principal Frank Sanchez identified Fofana as an 11th grader, according to a report in Village Green. I dont think a day went by without him playing.. Got photos? 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. Investigators want to know who shot and killed a high school student Sunday night at a sports complex in a New Jersey town. 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. Fofana said she wants justice. 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. New Jersey Gov. Adding to the shock was the crimes setting: near the New Jersey soccer field where Moussa distinguished himself as a leading scorer during his high school teams most recent season. The South-Orange Maplewood district is one of the more desired districts among families moving from New York City to the suburbs (read more). The nannys boyfriend was charged in the killings. Hundreds rallied to support Hawa Fofana, the mother of 18-year-old Moussa Fofana, during a July rally. The school's record on student . This inconceivable calamity is undoubtedly a devastating blow to our students, staff and community. The 17-year-old suspect fled the scene in an . Local journalism needs your support. Officials in Maplewood say 18-year-old Moussa Fofana was gunned down . Richland County deputies say the stabbing happened around 10 . "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. DeMarion Corbett, a junior at Columbia High School, was killed yesterday (April 20). Yohan Hernandez was arrested on a murder charge last week in the killing of Moussa Fofana, a Columbia High School student, at Underhill Sports Complex on the night of June 6. 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. We have activated our emergency protocols to provide mental health support for Columbia High School, Maplewood Middle and Clinton Elementary. Got news? Until such time as information is received, we are making preparations for addressing the needs of our students, staff and families. Adams is not a student at the school, he said. Details emerge after 20-year-old Columbia woman arrested for murder 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. Gary Caskey / Reuters file Maplewood police found Fofana dead at the scene, and another student, also 18, shot in the leg. Yohan Hernandez was arrested on a murder charge last week in the killing of Moussa Fofana, a Columbia High School student, at Underhill Sports Complex on the night of June 6. The second student, also male, sustained a wound that was not considered life-threatening, officials said. Columbia woman charged with murder after police find burning Students at a nearby elementary school were kept inside for recess during the day as police continued their investigation. The witness was not identified in the document and it did not indicate why they were following the person. The district was on all-remote learning until the last few months, a situation that frustrated some parents (read more). '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 shooting happened on April 20 at 3245 Lucius Road. We are sharing this information with parents and families to give you the opportunity to discuss this terrible loss with your child in a manner that feels most comfortable for your family and your child. Holbrook said, Its disturbing and we are sick of it. The story was updated at 11:20 a.m. with a message from Maplewood Middle School Principal Dara Gronau. 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. Yohan . It could be a witness issue, it could be an evidence issue, it could be a certain defense being asserted by the defendant.". Investigators have been at the scene, the Underhill Sports Complex, since late Sunday night. 20-year-old accused of fatally shooting Maplewood student was - nj She really wants to focus on achieving justice for Moussa, Ostmann told NJ Advance Media. Superior Court Judge Michael Ravin accepted the move, reiterating that Hernandez would be detained as his case on the murder charge moved forward. To be the first to get free news alerts with breaking stories in your town, or to get a free local newsletter each morning, sign up for Patch breaking news alerts or daily newsletters. Howard police arrest teen after student stabbed at Columbia high school 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. As Columbia High School parents and members of our community, Marie and I are absolutely heartbroken. 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. Columbine school shooting 20 years later: Victims' families reflect on First published on June 8, 2021 / 10:10 AM. "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.