Teenâs death linked to multiple Eufaula shootings, including one involving police
The shooting death of a 14-year-old boy in Eufaula appears to be linked to several other shootings that happened in the city in the following hours.
The Barbour County Coroner’s Office on Monday identified the victim as Zyaire Kayon Hill. Authorities said the teen was fatally shot in the head while he was in a vehicle.
Eufaula Police Chief Danny Christ said in a press release that officers were dispatched to Medical Center Barbour at 3:01 p.m. Sunday on a report of a gunshot wound.
Zyaire was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Christ said two more incidents happened at 9:44 p.m. and 10:22 p.m. In both cases, multiple rounds were fired into two separate homes. No one was injured.
The chief said investigators believe the shootings were linked to Zyaire’s death.
At 11:27 p.m., Christ said, an officer was involved in shooting that happened near the intersection of Barbour Street and Eufaula Avenue.
No one was injured, he said, and one suspect was arrested.
No additional details were provided.
Eufaula City Schools on Sunday night announced school would be closed on Monday and Tuesday.
“Due to the tragic events that have occurred in our community this afternoon and after conferring with local law enforcement, we are allowing them to conduct further investigations into the tragic events,” the statement read.
“We will also remain closed due to the possibility of inclement weather on Tuesday, January 9th.”
“We apologize for any inconvenience, but the safety of students and staff is our top priority.”
The police chief said there were no threats on city schools, but “due to the nature of events and individuals involved, schools were closed today, and closed tomorrow due to weather.”
The State Bureau of Investigation is investigating the shooting involving police.
The Eufaula Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division is investigating the fatal shooting of Zyaire and the subsequent shootings.
Anyone with information is as asked to call investigators 334-687-1200 or the anonymous tip line at 334-687-7100.