Westfield Teen Charged as Adult for Shooting at Coach, Identified as Elijah Earl

Accident – Death – Obituary News : WESTFIELD, Ind. – A 17-year-old teenager from Westfield has been charged as an adult after allegedly shooting at a coach, his wife, and two children as they were leaving a basketball game at the Pacers Athletic Center. The suspect, identified as Elijah Earl of Indianapolis, is now facing multiple charges, including attempted murder and criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon.

The incident took place on November 5th, and witnesses at the scene reported hearing gunshots or fireworks in the parking lot. One witness stated that they saw the suspect shooting a gun from the parking lot, while another witness mentioned that the suspect was targeting a truck that had already left the area. The police arrived at the scene and discovered multiple damaged vehicles and shell casings on the ground.

According to the probable cause affidavit, four cars were damaged by bullets, with two of them requiring towing due to damages exceeding $750. Several witnesses confirmed that Earl, who had been sitting at the scorer’s table during the game, was the suspect responsible for the shooting.

The coach, who was the primary target of the shooting, told the police that there had been tension between his team and the opposing team throughout the game. After the game ended and players shook hands, the tension continued, prompting the coach to wait for the other team to leave before taking his family home. However, when he realized that the opposing team was not leaving, he decided to walk his family to the car.

As they were leaving, the coach noticed Earl walking towards him with his hands on his waist. Sensing danger, the coach hurried to his vehicle with his family. He described hearing gunshots as he was getting into the car, and he identified Earl as the person sitting next to his wife at the score table during the game. The coach also confirmed that there was a verbal altercation between him and Earl while his family was in the car.

Investigators were able to gather evidence from video surveillance footage at the Pacers Athletic Center and photos from Earl’s social media accounts. These pieces of evidence matched witness statements and the coach’s description of the shooting. Additionally, photos on Earl’s Facebook profile showed him with a rifle and a 9mm handgun, contradicting his claim that he did not own or shoot a gun.

During an interview with Earl and his father, they claimed that their family members had been involved in an altercation with the son of the opposing team’s coach. Earl stated that he saw the coach walking to his car with his wife and son, and the coach allegedly threatened him by saying, “Don’t come over here on no bullsh*t, I’ll spray that b**ch down.” Earl and his brothers tried to avoid further interaction by moving between vehicles, but they couldn’t provide a reason for the coach’s comment.

Earl has been charged with multiple offenses, including attempted murder, criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon, pointing a firearm at another person, dangerous possession of a firearm by a child, unlawful carrying of a handgun, and criminal mischief. An initial hearing was held on November 13th.

The incident highlights the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful environment during sporting events. It also raises concerns about the accessibility of firearms to minors and the need for stricter gun control measures. The court proceedings will determine the appropriate legal consequences for Earl’s actions and provide justice for the victims..