There were heavy hearts in Shelton Thursday night as news spread that 15-year-old Kristjan Ndoj passed away.
Police are trying to determine if there were any warning signs prior to his murder Saturday night as they continue to search for the gunman.
The police department says investigators are working day and night on the investigation, using the resources of Connecticut State Police and several other towns.
They addressed the investigation as part of a joint press conference Thursday afternoon at Shelton High School, just hours of Ndoj died.
He had been able to hang on since Saturday, when he was shot in the head, but by Thursday afternoon the teen died at Bridgeport Hospital.
“A bright boy and naturally gifted athlete who seemed wise beyond his years, will be remembered by all who knew him for the sparkle in his bright green eyes,” said family spokesman Michael Boynton.
The Ndoj family attorney, Boynton, spoke on their behalf outside Shelton High School.
“They remain confident that the police investigation will lead to the arrest of the responsible party or parties,” Boynton said.
It remains unclear who shot Ndoj in the driveway Saturday, but police did confirm they’re investigating threats made toward Kristjan on social media and said they believe the gunfire came from the woods across the street.
“We’re aware of the threats that were made. It’s one of the many angles that we’re looking into, which is why it’s a very complex investigation,” said Lt. Robert Kozlowsky.
Meanwhile, the loss was announced to students during classes Thursday, with grief counselors and a crisis team on hand.
But many poured out their thoughts on Twitter.
Some described “a sad silence” taking over the class once the announcement was made, and others called it one of the saddest and hardest moments ever at the school.
A Classmate in East Asian Studies club with Kristjan learned of his death on Thursday.
“I think we all kind of saw it coming. We didn’t want to see it. We kept hoping for the better, wanted to be optimistic, but you know, it’s just how things are,” the classmate said.
Now many are turning their attention toward a possible arrest.
“Our police department, we want to do it correctly, and we are taking our time. We’re being methodical, and we want to do it the right way,” said Lt. Kozlowsky.
So far, more than $16,000 has been raised for the Ndoj family on fundraising site “GoFundMe.”
Some of the students posting on Twitter, are asking their classmates to wear black clothing to school on Friday in honor of Kristjan.