An Auburn football player was shot and killed at the Tiger Lodge apartment complex Sunday morning Dec. 14.
Freshman player Jakell Mitchell died at East Alabama Medical Center after being rushed to hospital suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, according to Lee County Coroner Bill Harris.
Harris said police received a call at 12:28 a.m. about a gunshot victim.
Police discovered Mitchell in a car suffering from apparent gunshot wounds and transported him to EAMC.
The Auburn Police Division announced they had arrested and charged Markale Hart of Camp Hill with Mitchell's murder Sunday afternoon, Dec. 14.
Tiger Lodge resident David Kubik said he heard the gunshots.
"I head six or seven (gunshots)," Kubik said.
Kubik said he also saw what he thought was a black car leaving the crime scene "in a hurry."
Mitchell rushed for 392 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2013 as a junior at Opelika High School before sitting out his senior season with a torn ACL.
He redshirted his freshman season at Auburn but was expected to contend for the starting H-back role next season.
Gus Malzahn, Auburn football head coach, said in a statement he was devastated and saddened by Mitchell's death.
"My thoughts and prayers are with Jakell's family and friends, who are suffering through this seneless tragedy," Malzahn said. "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. We have lost a member of our family too young, too soon."
Auburn Athletic Director Jay Jacobs said in a statement the athletic department will provide conseling and support to help student athletes and coaches through the grieving process.
"This is a very trying time for those close to Jakell," Jacobs said.
A candlelight vigil for Mitchell is planned for 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14, in downtown Opelika in the courthouse square.
Tiger Lodge posted statement on their Facebook page acknowledging the shooting.
"We are cooperating fully with police as they investigate this matter," Tiger Lodge said in the statement. "If you have any questions regarding this morning's incident, we encourage you to call or stop by the front office."
A Tiger Lodge employee said they had no comment when reached by phone.
The apartment complex is the same complex where Desmonte Leonard shot and killed three people, including two Auburn football players in 2012.
Leonard was found guilty in October, and the jury recommended life in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 7.
Our thoughts & prayers go out to Jakell Mitchell's family, friends & teammates.
-- Auburn Football (@FootballAU) December 14, 2014
The Auburn Family is grieving the loss of a teammate & friend Jakell Mitchell. We are praying for his family. pic.twitter.com/ZC5PP2nJ6u
-- Jay Jacobs (@jayjacobsauad) December 14, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jakell's family and friends. Auburn encourages those in need to contact the Division of Student Affairs.
-- Auburn University (@AuburnU) December 14, 2014
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
