3 Killed, 3 Wounded in Shooting Near Auburn University

AUBURN, Ala. (AP) — Three people were fatally shot, including two former Auburn University football players, and another three people were wounded during a party at an apartment complex near the school, authorities said Sunday.

Auburn Police Chief Tommy Dawson said during a news conference that current football player Eric Mack was among those wounded and was being treated at a hospital.

The two slain former players were identified as Edward Christian and Ladarious Phillips. The other person killed was identified as Demario Pitts.

Officials also said Xavier Moss and John Robertson were wounded.

“This is a trying time, not only university students and athletes, but it’s young people. it’s six young people that have been shot. As you can tell, the community is shaken by this and grieving today,” Dawson said.

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Police say Desmonte Leonard has been charged with capital murder and has not yet been captured. Dawson stressed that the football team was connected to the shooting only because current and former players were victims.

“Them being football players really has nothing to do with this. They’re victims of a shooting,” Dawson said.