Darius Lee: Houston Baptist Basketball Star Killed At 21

It’s with a heavy heart that I report Darius Lee, a Houston Baptist University basketball star, was shot and killed early Monday morning in New York. 

According to CBS News, a large group of people was gathered for a late-night barbecue in East Harlem.

Sources said the deadly shooting stemmed from a dispute over a music video that was being filmed at the location. 

Nine people were shot – six men and two women ranging in ages from 21 to 42.

All were treated at the scene before being taken to area hospitals. 

Tragically, Darius Lee was pronounced dead at Lincoln Hospital. 

The other shooting victims were listed in stable condition and expected to make a full recovery. 

NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell is asking for the community’s help in tracking down the suspects.

The emboldened individuals responsible for this are exactly who our officers are battling every day to make our city safe.

While we are making some headway against violence, we have a lot of work to do.

Police still don’t know how many shooters were involved.

One man said he heard the gunshots:

Many in rapid succession. Around 40 or 50 shots in such a short span of time.

He added that he saw almost 100 people fleeing the scene, running like a stampede.

There was a lot of screaming and running at the same time in all directions,.

Some of them almost getting hit by cars.

Watch the news reports below.

Houston Baptist University men’s basketball Head Coach Ron Cottrell released the following statement: 

We are devastated. Darius was a remarkable young man who loved the Lord, his mom, his family, his teammates, his friends and his entire HBU family.

We are in shock and cannot wrap our heads around this news. My heart breaks for his mom, his sister and his entire family, and for our basketball team. The only thing we find comfort in right now is knowing where Darius is. He is in the arms of Jesus… we know that as fact. And we will see him again some day.

As great of a basketball player as he was, he was an even better person. I can’t even think of basketball right now. I can only think of what a light Darius was during his short time on earth. He was a joy to coach and we loved him so much.

Please keep his mom, sister and family in your prayers, as well as our HBU basketball family, during this very difficult time.

See the statement below.

My sincerest condolences to the family, friends, and teammates of Darius Lee.

Please stop the senseless violence.

Source: CBS News