Auburn High sophomore dies in shooting

AUBURN, Al.

An Auburn High School sophomore is dead after what Auburn police are saying appears to have been an accidental shooting.

Jamon Baker   Credit: Courtesy Facebook

Jamon Baker, 15, was killed by a single gunshot wound to the chest Sunday evening, according to Auburn police.

A police report stated that shots were fired in the 800 block of Lunsford Drive in Auburn at approximately 7 p.m. Sunday. Police responding to the scene were flagged down by the occupants of a vehicle on North Donahue Drive attempting to take Baker to the hospital.

An ambulance transported Baker to the East Alabama Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 7:53 p.m.

Demario A. Pitts, 20, of Opelika surrendered to Auburn police at approximately 2 a.m. Monday morning — but has not been charged in the shooting — Auburn Police Chief Tommy Dawson said.

Dawson said that Pitts and Baker were cousins.

Pitts, who has not been charged in connection with the shooting, was questioned by police and arrested on an unrelated charge, said Dawson, who added that evidence in the incident will be presented to a Lee County grand jury that will determine if any charges will be filed.

Pitts is currently being held at the Lee County Detention Facility on a violation of court order charge for which he has been given a $500 bail. Pitts also faces a second unrelated misdemeanor charge for there is no bail. Pitts is slated to appear at 8 a.m. on April 6 in Lee County District Court, Lee County Sheriff’s Office Chief Investigator Capt. Van. Jackson said.

The shooting allegedly took place inside Baker’s home, which two other juveniles witnessed, Dawson said. Auburn police have recovered the handgun believed to have been used in the shooting, Dawson said.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Auburn police at 334-501-3140 or anonymously by voice or text on the tip line at 334-246-1391.