TUSKEGEE, Ala. (AP) — An Alabama man has been charged with murder in the fatal shooting death of a Tuskegee University football player.
Tuskegee Police Chief Jennifer Jordan tells local news outlets that police found 20-year-old Reginald Tyrone Summage Jr. of Montgomery dead in parking lot Friday after responding to a call about a shooting.
Jordan said police are trying to confirm that Summage was trying to break up a fight at an off-campus party when he was shot.
Police charged Marquavius Lee Debro, 21, of Tuskegee, with murder. Debro, who is not a Tuskegee student, is jailed in Macon County with bail set at $150,000. It’s unclear if he has a lawyer to speak for him.
Summage was a graduate of Jefferson Davis High School in Montgomery. A university statement said he was a construction science management major and an honor roll student. He had been working with football broadcasters after an injury last year, but was expected to return to the Golden Tigers football team for the 2022 season.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Reginald’s family and friends,” said President Dr. Charlotte P. Morris. “Losing such a young and talented member of our Golden Tiger family to a senseless act of violence is always tough. We extend our deepest condolences and support to all who loved him at this incredibly difficult time.”
Football coach and athletic director Reginald Ruffin called Summage a model student athlete.
The university said it’s offering counseling to students.