Markale Deandra Hart, 22, was arrested Sunday in connection with the death of Auburn University football player Jakell Mitchell.
We join Auburn in mourning the loss of freshman football player Jakell Mitchell. (via @jayjacobsauad)
Police received a call about the shooting at 12:25 a.m. Sunday and Mitchell was found at the apartment complex with multiple gun shot wounds to his chest. He was rushed to the East Alabama Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.
Hart — who is from Camp Hill, Alabama — was taken into custody about 14 hours after the shooting death of Mitchell, Police Capt. Will Matthews said.
He has a criminal record, which includes charges for burglary in the second-degree and possession of marijuana in the second degree.
Mitchell played back and tight end, and redshirted this season for the Auburn Tigers out of nearby Opelika High School.
Auburn University redshirt freshman Jakell Mitchell shot and killed near campus http://t.co/KhyQ2k8aKk
The shooting took place at an off-campus apartment, where two other football players and a third man were killed in 2012 by Desmonte Leonard.
Among those killed were former Auburn University football players Ed Christian and Ladarious Phillips.
In October, Leonard was convicted of capital murder, attempted murder, and assault.
The University, as well as several of Mitchell's coaches and teammates, took to Twitter on Sunday to express their grief:
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jakell's family and friends. Auburn encourages those in need to contact the Division of Student Affairs.
The sadness I feel right now is overwhelming. My hope is in Jesus. My prayers are that Mitchell family will find Peace in Him also.
I'm devastated and crushed. Lost a young man too soon with so much promise. Please Pray for Jakell's family & the Auburn Family. No words
Jakell Mitchell was a joy to work with, my favorite image of him taken while I was at the Opelika-Auburn News.
Prayers out to the mitchell family. Make sure your loved ones and friends know that you love them, life is too short #ripjakell
Can't be happening... That's like my brother man..can't be true
My heart breaks for Jakell Mitchell and his family, please pray for them #RIP31
Never without a smile,loyalty to those he loved, courage, compassion, & an angel in heaven. RIP Jakell, my best friend. Words arent enough 🙏
Former Alabama players, who now play with the NFL, also offered their condolences:
🙏🙏 rip Jakell Mitchell and praying for the #AuburnFamily
Prayers go out to Jakell Mitchell, his family, and all of auburn for this tragic loss! May God be with all affected by this!
Prayers for the family of Jakell Mitchell & the Auburn tiger family.. Very sorry for your loss. Just know you all have a great angel above!