Sylacauga, AL — A promising Alabama high school athlete was shot and killed just days into his senior year, leaving his family, friends, and the local community in mourning.
Shooting Happened Hours After Talking to His Mother
According to the Sylacauga Police Department, 17-year-old D’Marcus Riggins, a basketball player at B.B. Comer Memorial High School, was shot late Friday night, Aug. 8, after practice. Officers responding to reports of gunfire found Riggins and another person with gunshot wounds. Police said the second victim’s injuries were non-life-threatening, but Riggins’ condition was critical, prompting officers to perform CPR before rushing him to a hospital, where he later died.
His mother, Tykeshia Riggins, told People she had spoken with her son just an hour before the shooting. Earlier that day, he had gone to play basketball with friends and even called to ask if he could bring a friend over. “About an hour later, he was shot while walking to his car after dropping someone off,” she said.
Mother’s Heartbreak and Funeral Fundraiser
A GoFundMe has been launched by Tykeshia to cover funeral expenses. In her emotional tribute, she described D’Marcus as “full of life, dreams, and love” and said she was “devastated, heartbroken, and still in shock.”
“I’ll never see my firstborn again, the one that really made me a mother… the one that would always tell me… ‘We gonna be alright, Mom… I got you…’ That’s the most horrific feeling ever,” she said, according to ABC 3340.
The Talladega County Schools released a statement expressing they were “deeply saddened” by the loss and offered prayer opportunities for students in remembrance of the young athlete.
Reward Offered for Information
As of Tuesday afternoon, no arrests have been made, and police have not announced a motive. The case remains under active investigation.
Crime Stoppers has offered a $1,000 reward for tips leading to an arrest. Police are urging anyone with information to contact:
- Investigations Sgt. Vinson at 256-391-4386
- Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at 1-833-251-7867
- Or call 911 in case of emergency
Community Mourns the Loss of a Rising Star
D’Marcus was known as a dedicated basketball player and student, and his death has left many reeling. The tragedy comes at a time when schools were just beginning the academic year, making the loss even more painful for classmates and teachers.
Key facts from the case so far:
- Victim: D’Marcus Riggins, 17, senior at B.B. Comer Memorial High School
- Incident: Shooting after basketball practice on Aug. 8
- Status: No arrests, $1,000 reward for tips
- Source: People
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