HBU star Lee shot, killed at gathering in New York
Darius Lee, a basketball player at Houston Baptist, died of a gunshot wound in New York, the school announced.
“We are devastated,” HBU coach Ron Cottrell said. “Darius was a remarkable young man who loved the Lord, his mom, his family, his teammates, his friends and his entire HBU family.
“We are in shock and cannot wrap our heads around this news. As great of a basketball player as he was, he was an even better person.”
Lee, 21, was named HBU’s male studentathlete of the year for 202122. He led the team in scoring and rebounding and was a second-team All-Southland Conference selection. Lee, who is from Harlem, played at St. Raymond High School for Boys in the Bronx.
“Our prayers are with his family first and most importantly, but also with his friends, coaches and teammates,” athletic director Steve Moniaci said. “He was a very fine young man who had a very bright future in front of him both on and off the court. This is unfortunately, yet again, another example of the senseless gun violence that seems to be plaguing our country right now and we all pray it will cease.”
At least nine people were shot after gunfire erupted early Monday morning at a gathering in Harlem.
The New York Police Department said that officers responded to a report of a shooting around 12:40 a.m. at East 139th and Fifth Avenue. When officers arrived, they found five people with gunshot wounds on a footpath along FDR Highway, just under the Madison Avenue Bridge, and transported them to a local hospital.
“This Father’s Day weekend is a weekend where people were supposed to be able to enjoy themselves with their families,” NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell said at a news conference.
The investigation was ongoing Monday and police didn’t immediately have details about the gathering, possible suspects or what may have led to the shooting.
A gun was recovered from the scene, police said.
The New York Daily News reported that the gathering was a cookout organized by Harlem rapper Rich Rhymer, who posted invitations on his Instagram account. He noted that his two prior cookouts had been free of violence and wrote: “LETS GO FOR A 3PEAT.”
The shooting comes amid national concern over gun violence and as the U.S. Supreme Court is considering whether to strike down a law that makes it difficult to legally carry a handgun in New York.
Shootings are down 11 percent so far this year in New York City compared with last year. Murders are down 12 percent but are still at their secondhighest level since 2012.