Teen arrested in fatal shooting at California high school football game
A 15-year-old boy was arrested in connection with a gang-related shooting that killed a 17-year-old during a high school football game in Bakersfield, California. Police say the suspect and victim knew each other and the shooting was not random.
A 15-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with a gang-related shooting that killed a 17-year-old during a high school football game in Bakersfield, California, authorities said. The shooting occurred shortly after 8 p.m. Friday at Independence High School, which was hosting Centennial High School for its season opener, according to the Bakersfield Police Department.
Officers responding to reports of gunfire found the 17-year-old suffering from gunshot wounds. The victim was taken to Kern Medical, where he was pronounced dead. Authorities have not publicly identified the victim. Police announced the arrest of the 15-year-old suspect Saturday on suspicion of murder, firearm-related offenses and participating in a criminal street gang.
Investigators said the suspect and victim knew one another and that the shooting was not a random act of violence. A fight involving several people happened before the shooting, police said. The gunfire erupted while the game was underway, sending players and spectators from the area. The game was canceled following the shooting.
Neither the suspect nor the victim attended Independence High School, police confirmed. The shooting occurred within the exterior fence of the football stadium but outside the chain-link barrier surrounding the field and track. Police said the shooting was not directly related to the football game, though it happened while the game was in progress.
The gun used in the shooting has not been recovered, and investigators do not believe there are any additional suspects outstanding. Officers from the Kern High School District, Bakersfield Police Department and Kern County Sheriff's Office responded to the campus after reports of gunfire.
The Bakersfield Police Department expressed sympathy for both families affected by the tragedy. Two young lives and two families have been forever changed by an act of violence, the department said in a statement, extending compassion to everyone affected.
Kern High School District Superintendent Dr. Michael Zulfa said Independence High School staff and district police responded immediately after the shooting to protect students and spectators and assist law enforcement and emergency personnel. The district said it is working with law enforcement as the investigation continues and will review the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Counseling and other support services will be available to students and staff. Zulfa said Friday night should have been an evening of school spirit and community, but instead an act of violence deeply affected the entire district. The investigation remains ongoing.
