Man arrested in shooting death of Auburn football player Jakell Mitchell


A man was arrested Sunday in the shooting death of Jakell Mitchell, a freshman football player at Auburn University.

The Associated Press reported that Markale Deandra Hart, 22, of Camp Hill, Alabama, was arrested on murder charges Sunday afternoon.

Police arrived at the Tiger Lodge apartments in Auburn, Alabama, about 12:25 a.m. Sunday after the shooting was reported, according to AL.com. Mitchell apparently had multiple gunshot wounds and died in the emergency room, the Opelika Auburn News reported.

Mitchell's girlfriend said Mitchell was arguing with someone when another man opened fire, the AP reported.

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The 18-year-old signed with Auburn in February and was a contender to start next season.

“He had a good future ahead of him,” Mitchell's former coach at Opelika High school, Brian Blackmon, told the Opelika Auburn News. “You never know when something can take a turn. You just got to be thankful while you’re here.”

Fans and friends paid tribute to Mitchell on social media. Scroll down or click here to see their touching messages.

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