NEW LONDON, Conn. — A 17-year-old local high school student is dead after a shooting Wednesday night in New London.
Police said first responders were called to the area of Grand Street and Elm Street around 6:20 p.m. on the report of shots fired. An injured person was reportedly in the roadway.
When first responders arrived, they found a 17-year-old male and pronounced him dead at the scene.
The teen's father, James Ford, identified him as Ronde Ford, a senior at New London High School. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family.
On Thursday, Superintendent of New London Public Schools Cynthia Ritchie released a statement confirming the death of a local student.
"It is with the deepest regret and sadness that I inform you about the tragic and sudden loss of one of our high school students," she said. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and to the entire school community of which this student was a beloved part. This news is sure to raise many emotions, concerns, and questions, especially for our staff and students."
You can read the full statement here.
New London Mayor Michael Passero held a press conference Thursday afternoon.
Police said they were currently investigating the homicide, interviewing people about the events that lead up to the death. Evidence had been located at the scene and outside the city. No suspects are in custody.
Officials said the school system was providing counseling.
The last homicide in the city took place in the fall of last year.
Mayor Passero said to family and friends, Let the investigators do their job." He also said, "As a society, we have to do better."
Police said the shooting does not appear to be random and may have been targeted. An active investigation is underway.
Police are asking anyone with information or video concerning the fatal shooting to contact the New London Police Department at 860-447-1481 or anonymous information may be submitted via the New London Tips 411 system by texting NLPDTip plus the information to Tip411 (847411).