From The Tribune staff reports
SHELBY COUNTY — The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting near Leeds on Wednesday, August 31, at approximately 6:15 p.m.
A 16-year-old male was pronounced dead at the scene, and the Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident as a homicide.
The victim’s identity has not been released at the time of publication.
“There is currently a large law enforcement presence in the area as deputies and investigators continue to investigate and develop additional information,” Shelby County Sheriff’s Office released on Twitter.
“We do have witness statements that are helping our investigators put a case together,” Mayor Clay Hammac, Operations Commander of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, said. “We do not believe this was a random act of violence; we do have reason to believe at this time early in the investigation that this was an isolated relationship between the victim and the offender.”
Hammac said there could be up to three offenders involved in the fatal shooting. However, there is no offender(s) in custody at this time.
“This is a very peaceful area of Shelby County; that’s what makes this area appealing to a lot of residents,” Hammac said. “This is rather unusual and out of the ordinary for a law enforcement response to this area. We’re grateful for the partnership that we have with the local residents. They are vigilant; they’re our partners here in the community. So, we’re asking them to partner with us in this case as this investigation develops.”
Authorities ask if anyone has any information to contact the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office or Crimestoppers.
The story will be updated when more information is available.