GRANDVIEW, Mo. — A 14-year-old middle school student was killed in a shooting late Monday in Grandview, police said.
Around 11:30 p.m., officers responded to a shooting in the 13100 block of Ashland Avenue. When they arrived, they found the boy, identified as Damian Norfleet, dead from an apparent gunshot wound.
On Tuesday, neighbors described the moments when terror struck the neighborhood.
“I was just about to fall asleep,” said Madison Baird, who lives across the street from the home. “I was laying in bed and heard five gunshots right outside my window.”
Baird told 41 Action News that she often saw Norfleet playing basketball outside and said his death brought plenty of shock.
“He was always outdoors,” she said. “He liked to hang out with people. There were always a lot of people at the home all the time.”
Paul Purnell, who has lived in the community for 10 years and was once neighbors with the family, said the violence brought plenty of concern.
“It’s so quiet over here,” he said. “On Sunday nights, kids are playing out in the street. It’s really quiet.”
With police still searching for a suspect, Purnell hoped the family would get answers soon.
“Justice needs to be served,” he said. “I really hope they find somebody.”
A school district spokeswoman confirmed that Norfleet had just finished his eighth-grade year at Grandview Middle School.
"The loss of a student is something that leaves a devastating impact on our school community," the statement said. "Counselors will be on hand for our students in summer school for as long as needed. Our sincere condolences are with his family, friends and anyone that has been touched by his life."
Police had not released any suspect information by late Tuesday afternoon but were investigating the teen's death as a homicide.
