Faulkner University Football Player Fatally Shot During Home Invasion, 3 Students Arrested [Video]

Four students of Faulkner University in Alabama were responsible for a home invasion and attempted robbery on a home located at the 5900 block of Woodmere Boulevard on December 3.

As a result, the homeowner shot and killed freshman football player Ryan Brooks, 19, of Chelsea, who was one of the four breaking into his home, as reported by Alabama.

The other three Faulkner University students involved were Marshall Wall, 19, of Loxley and a member of the school’s soccer team, Ronnie Williams 19, of Loxley, and Tabias Russell, 19, of Alexander City, both players on the university’s junior varsity football team.

ABC News reports that Ryan Brooks was pronounced dead once Montgomery Police and Fire Medics arrived at the scene around 7:38 p.m. Monday evening.

Montgomery Police Department detectives arrested Marshall Wall, Ronnie Williams and Tabias Russell in connection with Brooks’ fatal shooting. The students were taken into custody and arrested on December 4, each one charged individually with one count of murder.

The three students were transferred to the Montgomery County Detention Facility where they will remain with a $75,000 bond, as per ABC News.

Police say the homeowner was acting in self-defense when he shot Ryan Brooks, and has not been charged for the fatal shooting.

However, Montgomery Police Department told ABC News, “Because Brooks was killed during the commission of a robbery attempt in which Wall, Williams and Russell are the suspects, all three were charged with murder.”

Faulkner University President Billy D. Hilyer held a press conference to inform students, families and the public of the shooting. However, Alabama reports that Hilyer did not give specifics regarding the incident, but only that the three students had been charged.

“In its 72-year history, Faulkner University has never had a shooting involving a student. The safety and well-being of our students is paramount at this university.”

Although Faulkner Chief of Police Tony Dean confirmed that Ryan Brooks and the three students charged all lived on campus, the university was not put on lock-down Wednesday evening. Extra officers were called in, nonetheless, on the chance they would be needed.

It didn’t take long for rumors to start around campus via social media stating that Brooks’ death was a result of fraternity hazing. But Dean quickly put those rumors to rest, as revealed by Alabama.

“There is no indication this (homicide) is an overflow of something that occurred on campus.”

Faulkner’s Vice President of Student Services Jean-Noel Thompson agreed completely with Dean’s statement adding that “there is no evidence to support those rumors.”

President Billy Hilyer wrote a post on Faulkner’s University’s Facebook page not only to relay information regarding the shooting, but to extend a personal message to family and friends on behalf of Faulkner University.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss of life and our prayers go out to his family, close friends, and loved ones. University counselors are available to anyone needing support or assistance working through this tragic loss. We will continue to keep you informed as we learn more from the investigation. Please keep the family, the university and all involved in your prayers.”

[Photo Credit: AL.com]