nications professional Arrest made in shooting death of 15-year-old boy By ALEXA MILAN SANFORD — A 24-year-old Sanford man was arrested and charged in the shooting death of a SanLee Middle School student, police confirmed Wednesday. Le’quan Jackie Gill was charged late Wednesday with first-degree murder and is being held without bond at the Lee County Jail, Capt. David Smith of the Sanford Police Department said. Fifteen-year-old Larod McKoy, who completed his eighth-grade year at SanLee Middle and was set to attend Lee County High School in the fall, died Tuesday after sustaining a gunshot wound to the head. Smith said police learned of Gill’s alleged involvement in the shooting after talking with witnesses Wednesday. Police were called shortly after 8 p.m. Tuesday to 619 Magnolia St., where McKoy had been shot. Smith said police were told the incident stemmed from an altercation between two groups of young men. “[The altercation] led over to 619 Magnolia St. [Tuesday] night, where gunfire was exchanged,” Smith said. “We think at least two or three different people were firing, and this young man unfortunately was struck in the head.” McKoy was transported by personal vehicle to Central Carolina Hospital. Smith said McKoy was about to be airlifted to UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill when he died from his injuries. Police are still investigating the incident, and there was no word on whether other suspects were being sought. Police did not say what McKoy’s role, if any, was in the alleged shootout. ‘A magnetic personality’ SanLee Middle School Principal Kenna Wilson recalls McKoy as an energetic young man who was popular with students and teachers alike. McKoy was a member of the Leadership Club at SanLee Middle School, where Wilson said he would be remembered as a kind-hearted person who always had a smile on his face. “Larod was a friend to all and a positive role model for others,” Wilson said. “My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family and friends. He was an incredible young man with a bright future. His SanLee family is heartbroken about his loss.” Friends posted an outpouring of memorials on Facebook Wednesday, sharing memories of everything from his charming smile to his love of “The Dougie,” a dance popularized by the Cali Swag District song “Teach Me How to Dougie.” A Facebook page titled “Larod’s Law” had gained nearly 600 followers by Wednesday evening, and many friends had changed their profile pictures to photos of McKoy. Comments affectionately addressed to “BooBear” included “You’re gone but you’ll never be forgotten,” “I love you with all of my heart” and “My heart breaks for all your loved ones.” SanLee Middle School teacher Laurie McCauley, who had McKoy in her homeroom and science and social studies classes, said she will always remember him as a sweet soul with a magnetic personality. “He was just a wonderful, sweet person,” McCauley said. “He always went the extra mile. I can’t think of anything negative anyone would say about him. He was loved by all the kids. Girls, boys, black, white, Hispanic — everyone was drawn to him.”
Posted on: Wed, 12 Jun 2013 23:07:48 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015