16-year-old killed after being shot near Southeast High School in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - A 16-year-old boy has died following a shooting near Southeast High School Wednesday morning.

Springfield Police told WAND News they were called to the 2300 block of Taylor Ave., just south of the school, at 8:42 a.m. They found the boy with at least one gunshot wound to the lower torso. He was rushed into surgery at the hospital but did not survive. He was pronounced dead by hospital staff at 9:48 a.m.

As of 4:20 p.m., detectives with SPD are questioning multiple people as persons of interest. Warrants are being served in three locations and two vehicles have been identified as being involved.

Police will be present throughout schools in Springfield during the coming days.

An autopsy has been scheduled for Thursday. The identity of the teen is being withheld, pending next of kin notification.

The teen was identified as a student at Southeast High School by Springfield Public Schools District 186.

The district said in a statement:

"The safety and well-being of our students and staff are paramount. During the initial response phase, Southeast High School and Ball Charter School were placed on a soft lockdown status to ensure the security of everyone on campus.

"The District also issued an initial statement about the soft lockdown immediately, and followed up with a lengthier message as more information became available this morning.

"The District has responded with our Crisis Response Team to support students and staff. We will have support available the remainder of the week. We will have extra patrols and security at Southeast High School and in the vicinity of Ball Charter and SSHS for as long as needed. We are grateful for the swift and coordinated response of law enforcement, emergency services, and school personnel.

"At this time, the Criminal Investigations Division is actively investigating the incident, and additional information will be provided as it becomes available. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends of the victim during this difficult time."

The death remains under investigation by the Springfield Police Department and the Sangamon County Coroner.

Southeast High School and Ball Charter were placed on a soft lockdown status when the incident was reported, but the lockdowns have since been lifted.

The District did announce that out of an abundance of caution, they have postponed the high school Girls City Track Meet and all other middle and high school athletic contests and practices and after-school activities for students for Wednesday as they allow law enforcement to continue their investigations and take action.

Events scheduled for Thursday will be assessed after they have consulted with the Springfield Police Department during the day tomorrow.

District Administration and Athletic Directors will be working to reschedule events based on priority and availability.