Police: 3 killed in shooting near Auburn U.

UPDATE:

AUBURN, AL. (WBRC) -

Authorities say three people were shot and killed during a party at an apartment complex near Auburn University, including two former football players at the school.

Officials also said during a news conference Sunday that current football player Eric Mack had been wounded and was being treated at a hospital.

The two slain former players were identified as Edward Christian and Ladarious Phillips. The other person killed was identified as Demario Pitts.

Officials also said Xavier Moss and John Robertson were wounded.

Police say Desmonte Leonard has been charged with capital murder and has not yet been captured.

Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.

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UPDATE:

A press conference is scheduled for 1 p.m. at the Auburn City Council Chambers.

We will stream the press conference live at www.FoxAlabamaLive.com and on the Fox 6 iPhone app. We will also carry it live to air.

Detectives have left the scene carrying evidence bags. 

A witness to the shootings tells Fox6's Christy Hutchings that a fight over a female led to the gunfire.

Auburn Police still have not confirmed that former or current Auburn players were involved in the shooting.  But other media outlets are reporting two former Auburn players are dead and one is in the hospital.

New York Times Sports Reporter Pete Thamel (@PeteThamelNYT) tweeted earlier:  Auburn Coach Gene Chizik called Ladarious Phillips' high school coach at 7 a.m. to inform him of his death. "He was devastated."

In a later tweet Thamel said: Chizik's message to Phillips' family was this: "Anything that they need that the Auburn football family can provide, they will."

University officials and Auburn Police are expected to be at the press conference.

Auburn University president Jay Gogue issued the following statment just before 1 p.m. Sunday:

"We're deeply saddened about last night's tragic events that impacted the Auburn community and the Auburn family. Our heart-felt condolences go out to the victims and their families. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. We're in constant contact with area authorities and will continue to assist in any way possible. Our attention is now focused on providing care and support to those touched by this tragedy."

Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.

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UPDATE:

AUBURN, AL (WBRC) -

Sources confirm to Fox6 WBRC that there are multiple victims involved in a shooting that occurred late Saturday evening at an apartment complex in Auburn, Alabama. At least one person is confirmed dead.

Information regarding victims, suspects, a motive or details about the case are not being released at this time. Authorities on scene are only confirming that multiple victims are involved. A specific number has not been stated.

The shooting happened between 10 and 11 p.m. Saturday at the University Heights apartments, a large complex near the Auburn University campus where many of Auburn University's athletes live. Witnesses say there was apparently a party happening near the complex's pool, and an altercation occurred. At some point, shots rang out.

"It went from us chilling with females to a massacre...for no reason," one witness explained.

There are numerous unconfirmed reports via social media outlets that some Auburn football players were injured in the shooting. Fox6 WBRC cannot independently confirm any of those reports. 

Police say they're searching for a suspects.

At least 10 Auburn Police vehicles and a disaster relief trailer were brought in and the complex's entrance was taped off. Large lights illuminated the crime scene overnight. 

Residents should avoid Longleaf Drive at this time, according to authorities. Residents of the apartment complex are being allowed in only after showing their ID.

Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.

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AUBURN, AL (WBRC) -

The police chief in the Alabama city of Auburn has said in a published report that authorities have responded to a report of multiple gunshot victims at an apartment complex, but he had no immediate information to release on the situation.

Auburn Police Chief Tommy Dawson told the Opelika-Auburn News early Sunday that police responded to a report of multiple victims Saturday night. He did not elaborate on the situation or the circumstances involved nor whether anyone was in custody.

Several emergency vehicles were there as authorities investigated.

Fox6 has a crew on the scene and will be live throughout our morning newscast from 7-9a.

A press conference is scheduled for 11a.  Fox6 will carry the press conference live.

Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.

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UPDATE:

Auburn, AL (WBRC) - Our sister station WTVM out of Columbus, GA is reporting three people are dead after a shooting. The shooting took place at the University Heights apartment complex late Saturday night.

WTVM is reporing two additional victims are seriously injured and have been taken to an area hospital. Police are still searching for the shooter.

WTVM reports the Lee County Coroner's Office has confirmed three are dead and two have been injured in a shooting at the apartment complex off Longleaf Drive.

A press conference is scheduled for 11a.

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AUBURN, AL (WBRC) -

Sources confirm to our Montgomery sister station WSFA that there are multiple victims involved in a shooting that occurred late Saturday evening at an apartment complex in Auburn.

Fox6 has a crew en route to the scene and is working to share as much information as can be confirmed.

The shooting happened at the University Heights apartment complex. Authorities on scene are only confirming that multiple victims are involved. A specific number has not been stated.

Police also say they're searching for a suspect. Details on that search are unknown.

At least 10 AUPD vehicles and a Disaster Relief Trailer have been brought in. Large lights now illuminate the crime scene. 

AU residents should avoid Longleaf Drive. Residents of the apartment complex are being allowed in only after showing their ID.

Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.