Sounds like Jakell was in an argument but didn't know the shooter. His girlfriend told police this. Simp may be right about it being over a girl. Who knows? But it was senseless regardless. Some thug who has had prior burglary (and I believe robbery charges) from Camp Hill (out in the middle of nowhere, toward the lake).
My first thought was that Jakell was in a place that he didn't belong, and maybe his parents wouldn't want him at this party where over 100 were congregated. But then, I thought that's doesn't mean that he actually did anything wrong. It really doesn't matter. He was in a parking lot of an apartment complex in Auburn, Al. People shouldn't have to worry about getting shot there. Jakell is the victim and I'm not going with the "he shouldn't have been there" mantra.
http://www.al.com/auburnfootball/index.ssf/2014/12/girlfriend_says_auburns_jakell.html#incart_2boxJakell Mitchell's girlfriend says he was in argument before shooting
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Brandon Marcello | bmarcello@al.com By Brandon Marcello | bmarcello@al.com
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on December 14, 2014 at 8:25 PM, updated December 14, 2014 at 8:42 PM
AUBURN, Alabama -- Auburn tight end Jakell Mitchell was in an argument with a man when a third person pulled a gun and shot the redshirt freshman at an off-campus party Sunday morning, Mitchell's girlfriend told the Associated Press.
Mitchell, 18, died from multiple gunshot wounds shortly after midnight Sunday at the Tiger Lodge apartment complex.
Ayanna Hughuley, 17, said Mitchell was in the middle of an argument with a man in the parking lot when a third man pulled a gun early Sunday, according to the AP.
"He just started shooting. Jakell fell on the ground and he tried to get back up and run, and then he fell again. He started shooting at Jakell again while Jakell was on the ground," Hughuley told the AP.
Police arrested Markale Deanda Hart, 22, of Camp Hill at 10:45 a.m. in Dadeville and charged him with murder. Police said in a statement they do not expect more arrests, but their investigation will continue.
Hughuley told the AP she doesn't believe Mitchell knew Hart. She was also not aware who started the argument. Police have not shared a possible motive in the murder.
Two residents at the Tiger Lodge complex said they heard at least six gun shots after midnight as a party raged in an adjacent building and in the parking lot, where one bystander told AL.com up to 100 people scattered as the gun fire split the night air.
"I heard people running down the stairs and then lights everywhere," said George Morgan, 38, who lives in the complex. "It was like cockroaches when the lights come on."
Police responded to a 911 call at 12:25 a.m. Sunday and discovered Mitchell in the passenger seat of a car with multiple gun-shot wounds. He was transported by ambulance to the East Alabama Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.
Shards of glass and dozens of evidence markers littered the asphalt as police conducted their investigation Sunday morning. Bullets hit at least three vehicles and one pierced the wall of an adjacent residence. No other injuries were reported.
A Cadillac's rear passenger window was shattered and a bullet pushed through the top of the car door. The vehicle was towed by police for further analysis, but Auburn police did not confirm whether Mitchell was inside the vehicle when authorities arrived on the scene.
Mitchell's vehicle, a red Dodge Challenger adorned with a "JAKELL" license plate, was not involved in the shooting. The vehicle was towed after police cleared the scene shortly after 10 a.m. Meanwhile, Auburn police, the Tallapoosa County Sheriff's Department and Jackson Gap closed in on Hart 25 miles away in Dadeville.
Hart has a history of criminal activity. He will be eligible for a $150,000 bond at the Lee County Jail.
Auburn fans, coaches and teammates shared their grief on Twitter and in statements released through the school. Auburn coach Gus Malzahn called it a "senseless tragedy" in a statement.
"I know the Auburn Family is hurting, especially our players and coaches, and we are going to love and support them through this difficult time," Malzahn said. "We have lost a member of our family too young, too soon."
The Tiger Lodge has been at the center of several violent altercations in recent years. Three men, including two former Auburn football players, were shot to death during a party in June 2012.
Mitchell sat out the 2014 season at Auburn to gain weight and get ready for the 2015 season. The former Opelika High star was expected to contend for a starting spot at H-Back and tight end following the departures of seniors Brandon Fulse and C.J. Uzomah. He was ranked the 17th-best tight end in the country by 247sports.com during the 2014 recruiting season.
Mitchell turned heads in fall camp and had the biggest play in the final scrimmage of preseason drills when he caught a pass for a 70-yard touchdown.
Mitchell missed his senior season at Opelika High as he recovered from an ACL injury he suffered in June 2013. He rushed for 392 yards and 17 touchdowns and added 403 receiving yards as a junior in 2012 while leading Opelika to the Class 6A state title game.
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