Juvenile arrested in fatal shooting at football game

By Jeff Harrison
Midwest City Beacon

A juvenile male has been arrested in a fatal shooting that happened during a football game last Friday night at Choctaw High School.

Choctaw Police Chief Kelly Marshall said a 15-year-old suspect was arrested early this morning near NE 36th St. and Midwest Blvd. in Spencer on complaint of second-degree murder.

“This was an argument that broke out at a football game between two people that chose to use weapons and do the wrong thing,” Marshall said Wednesday morning.

The shooting happened about 10:10 p.m. during the third quarter of a Del City – Choctaw football game. Shots were fired near the visitor seating area on the northeast side of the stadium.

Police say Cordae Carter, 16, was shot in the groin/upper thigh Friday during the game. He was transported to OU Medical Center where he died from the injury.

A 42-year-old man was shot in the chest by an off-duty Del City police officer, who was working security during the game. The man is in critical condition.

A third victim, a juvenile female, was shot in the leg. She was treated at the hospital and released, according to police.

Marshall said she did not know if any of the individuals involved in the shooting were related.

A witness identified the shooter and referred to him by his nickname “Bullet.” The witness knew him from school, according to court records.

Midwest City police and Mid-Del Schools identified the suspect, according to court records.

A witness told police that Carter and another male got into a fight at the game. The suspect allegedly ran at Carter from behind while “fumbling a black gun in both hands.” He then fired the gun at Carter from close range, police said.

After the shooting, the suspect was taken to the weight room where he was treated by firefighters for a head injury. He identified himself to firefighters, according to court records.

Investigators focused on the suspect early Saturday morning and later obtained a warrant.

“Any investigator knows that it takes a while to figure a case together, and I didn’t want to just put a name out there,” Marshall said. “I believe it’s dangerous to put a name out there without having an arrest warrant.”

The suspect was arrested Wednesday morning “without incident” by Oklahoma County Sheriff’s deputies, Oklahoma City Violent Crimes Apprehension Team, and U.S. Marshals.

“I’m very proud of the organizations involved to apprehend this individual and communication between offices. Were proud of what we did today collectively as a group,” said Tommie Johnson III, Wednesday morning during a press conference.

Marshall said she does not believe there are any other suspects involved in the shooting.

The Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the Del City police officer involved shooting.

The suspect was not a current student at Mid-Del Schools. Mid-Del officials would not say if he was a former student.

“Mid-Del Schools is grateful to the law enforcement who identified the suspect in the shooting incident at Choctaw High School and then brought him into custody. At the time of the incident, the individual was not a student in Mid-Del Schools,” said Stacey Boyer, director of communication for Mid-Del Schools.

Carter was a student at Midwest City High School.

The suspect is being held at the juvenile justice center.

Choctaw High School has canceled athletic events this week and is working on new security measures. Marshall said the district hires five off-duty officers at all football games.

“I know this week’s game was canceled, but next week’s game, which is homecoming, will be a great game and we want our students and citizens to feel safe,” Marshall said.

Mid-Del Schools have implemented tighter security measures last year following a shooting at a Del City High School boys basketball game in January. The district has added weapon detection systems at all football and basketball games, as well as large public events.