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On Wednesday afternoon, 17-year-old Da’Qwan Jones-Morris, a senior at Henry Sibley High School and co-captain of the football team, was shot and killed on the 100 block of East Annapolis on the West Side of St. Paul, just across the border with West St. Paul.
Early reports indicate the shooting was an accident, though police have not yet confirmed that. At least two people were inside the home during the incident and were taken to police headquarters for questioning. No arrests have been made.
“I think this underscores the need for us as a community to come together to end gun violence of any kind,” St. Paul Police Department spokesperson Steve Linders told MPR. “Whether that is securing your weapons in your home, whether that is making sure your weapons aren’t stolen or calling us if you know who is carrying guns illegally in the city and certainly who’s shooting them. That’s the most important thing.”
The family released a statement:
“Da’Qwan was a humble young man, with a heart of gold. He had a passion for football, he absolutely loved FortNite, and he loved to eat… a lot. He was loved by everyone, so this is definitely hard to digest, but we are grateful for all of the prayers, calls and condolences.”
Family statement, as quoted by Fox 9
Sibley High School Principal Ron Monson also released a statement:
“Senior Da’Qwan Jones-Morris was funny, outgoing, and well liked by students and staff alike. He was a key member of both the football and basketball teams and known for his love of music. We extend our condolences and heartfelt sympathy to Da’Qwan’s family and friends. This is a tragedy that will be deeply felt by the staff and students of Henry Sibley High School.”
Ron Monson statement, as reported by Mara Gottfried
The school will have counselors available to provide any support to students or staff.
This is the 28th homicide in St. Paul this year, and the first one second on the West Side.
Update: A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help the family with funeral expenses.
(Photo via Warrior Football Boosters)
3 Responses
Just an FYI-This is the 2nd shooting on the West Side, the other was early October.
Thanks Sue, I’ve updated the story to reflect that. I based the “first one on the West Side” on a Star Tribune map that only showed this shooting. Not sure if they classified the October incident differently or just overlooked it.
Might use MS 13 or Westside as new school name. Certainly better citizens than Mr Sibley? You folks in the metro need lives.