Reports: RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Other LSU Athlete Involved in Fatal Shooting

From The Advocate

One person was found fatally shot in the back seat of a truck Saturday afternoon in the Scotlandville area, and police have detained the two LSU athletes who were also in the vehicle for questioning, said Baton Rouge police spokesman Sgt. L’Jean McKneely.

A source with knowledge of the investigation confirmed that LSU football player Clyde Edwards-Helaire is one of the athletes who was taken in for questioning. The source spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the ongoing investigation.

...The two LSU athletes called 911 after the shooting and waited at the scene for police, McKneely said. They remain in police custody, but McKneely said they have not been arrested. He would not comment on a possible motive in the shooting. He also did not identify anyone involved in the shooting.

Earlier today, without confirming who was involved, AD Joe Alleva released the following statement

Details are still very unofficial at the moment, but WBRZ’s Mike Cauble had this to say:

The sophomore running back is a Baton Rouge native and LSU’s 2nd leading rusher on the year. Coach O is not scheduled to speak with the media again until the 27th when the team arrives in Glendale for the Fiesta Bowl, though that has no doubt changed. More to come...

12/24 An update from The Advocate:

The shooting death of an 18-year-old at the hands of two LSU football players was likely self-defense as part of a robbery gone wrong, said Baton Rouge police and an attorney for the athletes.

The two players — running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire and walk-on linebacker Jared Small — were trying to sell an electronic item when Kobe Johnson pulled out a weapon and demanded the players’ belongings, said Baton Rouge police spokesman Sgt. L’Jean McKneely.

One of the two players pulled out a handgun and shot Johnson multiple times, he said.

Edwards-Helaire and Small called 911 after the shooting and waited for police. Johnson, 2825 Kaufman St., was found dead in the back seat of a white truck in the 2900 block of 68th Avenue, McKneely said.

The LSU players were questioned and released Saturday without arrest, and as of Sunday afternoon, McKneely said the case likely would go to the East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney’s Office as a self-defense shooting.