Man Arrested in Killing of Auburn Football Player
Jakell Mitchell was a freshman running back.
— -- A man was arrested today in the fatal shooting of an Auburn University freshman running back who was shot and killed shortly after midnight at an off-campus apartment.
Jakell Mitchell, 18, from Opelika, Ala., died after he was transported to the hospital with several gunshot wounds, according to the Lee County coroner.
The shooting happened at 12:28 a.m. Sunday in a student apartment complex south of the university.
Markale Deandra Hart, 22, of Camp Hill, Ala., was arrested today on a felony warrant charging him with murder. He was being held in the Lee County jail and will be eligible for a $150,000 bond, police said.
Police released few details about how they determined that Hart was the alleged shooter, or his arrest, but said that they do not anticipate making any other arrests in the case.
There was no indication that Mitchell was involved in gangs or drug deals, police said.
"I'm devastated and saddened by the passing of Jakell Mitchell," head coach Gus Malzahn said in a statement. "My thoughts and prayers are with Jakell's family and friends, who are suffering through this senseless tragedy. 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."
Mitchell missed his senior season of high school with a knee injury. He rushed for 17 touchdowns and had 400 receiving yards his junior season.
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