Dallas police are investigating the fatal shooting of an 11-year-old boy in East Dallas that occurred Sunday afternoon.
Authorities have thus far described the death of Marquis Goynes as “accidental” and are searching for a juvenile believed to be involved in the incident, per NBC 5.
“He just was so loveable. He was fun to be around. He liked to crack jokes,” said the boy’s stepfather, Jamarius Collins, speaking with WFAA. “I’m in disbelief.”
Police responded to a call around 3 p.m. concerning a minor who had been shot at the Roseland Townhomes complex on the 3500 block of Munger Avenue, near North Hall Street and U.S. 75.
The 11-year-old was at a friend’s house when a gun that someone was handling fired while pointed at Goynes, according to the boy’s cousin, per NBC 5.
Police believe they know the identity of the person holding the gun when it went off and are actively searching for them.
“He was a star athlete. He got offensive MVP, defensive MVP. He was just an amazing kid,” said Collins of his stepson.
Goynes was set to join a new youth football team coached by Leland Lloyd of Mesquite.
“He was a great kid. He liked his basketball. He liked football like most kids do. He was like a leader. Whatever he did, the other kids followed. It’s going to be a loss to us,” said Lloyd to NBC 5. “This makes me feel like I didn’t do my job good enough just to see that happen. That’s why I’m here. I want to make a difference in the kids’ life, so stuff like this doesn’t happen. So, I’m really bothered by this.”
Lloyd added, “This kid is so young. It’s sad to see kids leave here due to gun violence. I just don’t understand it.”