A 16-year-old boy is dead after a shooting at a park in Windsor Locks Wednesday night and police said they have "persons of interest" in the case and they are following leads.
School officials identified the teen who was killed as Elijah Ortega. a student at Windsor Locks High School, where he was a member of the basketball team
"It is with a heavy and broken heart that I share with you the tragic passing of Windsor Locks High School student Elijah Ortega. Elijah, a young man with a contagious smile, just completed his junior year at WLHS, and was an integral member of the Windsor Locks High School basketball team," Supt. Shawn Parkhurst said in a statement.
Police said officers responded to Pesci Park around 10:19 p.m.Wednesday after receiving several 911 calls someone was shot.
Once police arrived on scene, they found a teen lying on the ground just outside of the park's baseball field. He'd been shot several times, police said.
The victim was transported to an area hospital, where he died from from his injuries. He'd been shot several times.
The people involved in the shooting seemed to know each other, according to police. There were prior disagreements and "animosities" and the victim was not armed.
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"Initial investigation revealed that a dispute had occurred between various people that culminated in the park where a male produced a semi-automatic pistol and fired numerous shots at the victim," said officials. "The suspect(s) fled the park in a black or dark colored Lexus possibly bearing North Carolina or Connecticut plates."
Police said during a news conference on Thursday afternoon that they found the vehicle in the North End of Hartford. It had North Carolina plates and police said there are connections to North Carolina.
Police also said and they have "persons of interest" but did not elaborate.
Police said dozens of people were in the area when the shooting happened and a girl broke her leg while running fro the scene. She was not the shooter, police added.
Several police officers were called into to assist with the investigation.
The investigation is on-going and an autopsy is being done.
Anyone with information is asked to call 860-627-1461.
To help grieving students, Windsor Locks Public School Mental Health Practitioners will be available by phone. Anyone wishing to speak with someone should email mentalhealth@wlps.org.
Members of the Windsor Locks Boys and Girls Basketball Team will postpone their end of the season close out events until after July 4.
In-person counseling will be available at Windsor Locks High School by
appointment on Friday, June 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Monday, June 29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Tuesday, June 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Facial coverings and social distancing will be required.
To schedule an appointment for in-person counseling support, email
mentalhealth@wlps.org.
