Springfield, IL (WTAX) – Multiple people are being questioned in the shooting death of a 16-year-old near Southeast High School Wednesday morning. Springfield Police say warrants have been served in three locations and two vehicles have been identified as being involved. The incident does not appear to be a random shooting, according to police. They also say there will be increased police presence at schools throughout Springfield in the coming days.
Police responded to the 2300 block of Taylor Avenue at 8:42 a.m. and found a young male victim with at least one gunshot wound to the lower torso. The teen was transported to HSHS St. John’s Hospital for surgery, but he did not survive. The call to police indicated the victim had been shot near the roadway.
Southeast High School and Ball Charter School were placed on soft lockdown, but the lockdown was later lifted. The High School Girls City Track Meet, all other middle and high school athletic contests and practices, and after school activities were postponed by District 186. In an official media release, District 186 said it was doing it out of an abundance of caution and to allow law enforcement to continue their investigation and take action.
Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon says an autopsy has been scheduled for Thursday. The identity of the victim has not yet been released.