Email This Story
Print This StoryOhio's 'Mr. Football' Charged With Murder
Another Teammate Also Charged
UPDATED: 7:33 pm EDT April 28,
2004
CLEVELAND -- Two Cleveland high school football stars, one of whom is "Ohio's Mr. Football," have been charged in connection with the murder of another local football player, NewsChannel5 reported.
The fatal shooting of Lorenzo Hunter, 16, left the self-proclaimed home of champions, all-boys Benedictine High School in shock. Hunter, a sophomore wide receiver and safety, died of gunshot wounds to the chest, arm and hip.
On Tuesday, police arrested "Ohio's Mr. Football" Raymond Williams (pictured, far left) and teammate defensive back Jon Huddleston (pictured, near left), both 18, while they were in classes at Benedictine.They were initially being held for questioning, but prosecutors charged them today with aggravated robbery and murder.
"These two did not fire weapons ... they were on the scene and possibly could be contributing factors to events that took place that evening," said Cmdr. Ed Tomba, of the Cleveland police.
Police said it all happened when Hunter reportedly tried to rob Rodney Roberts, 20, with a toy gun on East 124th Street and Craven Street about a week ago.
Roberts allegedly shot back with a real gun. He was charged with aggravated murder. Roberts' attorney said it was self defense.According to Benedictine's principal, Huddleston and Williams are suspended indefinitely and barred from all school activities.Williams was named the 17th annual winner of "The Ohio Associated Press Mr. Football" award just days before he rushed for 237 yards and two touchdowns in a 12-0 victory over Kenton in a state title game in Canton in November.
He also was named first-team All-Ohio and Division III offensive player of the year after rushing for 2,099 yards and 27 touchdowns in the 2003 regular season. Huddleston also earned first-team honors. The Cuyahoga County prosecutor's office says this case has the potential to be a capital case because the shooting death took place during the course of a robbery.A grand jury will make the decision in the next few weeks.Williams and Huddleston are expected to appear in court Thursday.
On Tuesday, police arrested "Ohio's Mr. Football" Raymond Williams (pictured, far left) and teammate defensive back Jon Huddleston (pictured, near left), both 18, while they were in classes at Benedictine.They were initially being held for questioning, but prosecutors charged them today with aggravated robbery and murder.
"These two did not fire weapons ... they were on the scene and possibly could be contributing factors to events that took place that evening," said Cmdr. Ed Tomba, of the Cleveland police.
Police said it all happened when Hunter reportedly tried to rob Rodney Roberts, 20, with a toy gun on East 124th Street and Craven Street about a week ago.
Roberts allegedly shot back with a real gun. He was charged with aggravated murder. Roberts' attorney said it was self defense.According to Benedictine's principal, Huddleston and Williams are suspended indefinitely and barred from all school activities.Williams was named the 17th annual winner of "The Ohio Associated Press Mr. Football" award just days before he rushed for 237 yards and two touchdowns in a 12-0 victory over Kenton in a state title game in Canton in November.
He also was named first-team All-Ohio and Division III offensive player of the year after rushing for 2,099 yards and 27 touchdowns in the 2003 regular season. Huddleston also earned first-team honors. The Cuyahoga County prosecutor's office says this case has the potential to be a capital case because the shooting death took place during the course of a robbery.A grand jury will make the decision in the next few weeks.Williams and Huddleston are expected to appear in court Thursday.
Previous Stories:
- April 23, 2004: Memorial Held For Budding Football Star
- April 22, 2004: Police: Football Player Used Phony Gun During Robbery
- April 17, 2004: High School Football Star Shot To Death
Copyright 2004 by NewsNet5. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
