University of Idaho student and football player Ken McRoyal, 22, was shot and killed at approximately 1:30 a.m. Sunday while at a photoshoot promoting a new clothing line at the Brewery Arts Complex in Los Angeles, according to police detective Victor Martin.
Martin said investigators plan to interview 40-50 people who attended the party after McRoyal and one other victim were shot. The other victim was wounded and treated at a hospital for non-life threatening injuries.
Martin said no suspects have been named or arrested in connection with the shooting.
Minutes before the reported time of the shooting, McRoyal tweeted that he was going to an event in LA and sent a text message to his cousin and Idaho quarterback, Dominique Blackman, asking to join him.
Earlier in the week, McRoyal was told by Idaho coach Robb Akey that he would receive a scholarship to play at UI in the fall. The former walk-on played in eight games as a Vandal in 2011, and was vying for a starting spot in 2012, Akey said.
Akey said in a statement from the university that McRoyal was not just a player, but a family member as well.
“We’ve lost a brother, a teammate, a family member,” Akey said. “But, more importantly, a momma lost her son today (Sunday).”
Before coming to Idaho, McRoyal was a standout receiver at El Camino Junior College in Torrance, Calif., and at Carson High School where he played with Blackman.
Before moving to California, McRoyal lived in New Orleans but he and his family were forced to relocate following Hurricane Katrina.
An outpour of support followed on social media sites for both McRoyal and his family. He leaves behind a two-year old daughter.
Coach Akey will speak at a press conference at 3:15 p.m. and a candlelight vigil will be held at the Kibbie Dome on the UI campus at 10 p.m. today in honor of McRoyal
Here are what teammates are saying on Twitter about McRoyal.
Everybody just gotta keep their heads up.. Keep good faith and we all gonna see him again.
— Taylor J Elmo (@TjMO81) May 13, 2012
Starting receiver, starting punt returner, was about to do it big this year, he was on his way.. all for Koi.. #hopes&dreams
— ASAP Bassy (@Rybassy) May 13, 2012
Everything he did was for her. And it breaks my heart that he’s gone now. I can’t really believe it. Again RIP Ken
— Maxx Forde (@maxxforde) May 13, 2012
Prayin for #86 family n his beautiful baby girl koi..
— just VellY #iEG(@frostbiteVelly1) May 13, 2012
I talk a lot never though I’d say rip to my dogs my ace my fam#rip86
— DOMINIQUE BLACKMAN (@vandalsQB3) May 13, 2012