Report: Idaho WR shot, killed at party

Report: Idaho WR shot, killed at party

Published May. 13, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

A University of Idaho football player was shot dead Sunday morning at a party in Los Angeles.

Ken McRoyal -- a wide receiver for the Vandals who previously played for El Camino Junior College in Los Angeles -- died after being shot about 1:30am local time at the Brewery Lofts in Lincoln Heights, according to KABC-TV.

Another man was shot in the arm and is in stable condition at a nearby hospital.

"We were just with him having fun, the night was great and it ended so bad," McRoyal's friend, Deja Pearl, told KABC.

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Witnesses said between 20 and 30 people were at the party when the sound of gunshots broke out. No arrests have been made, but police told KABC they are looking for as many as four suspects. Authorities say a verbal dispute led to the shooting, but do not believe it was gang-related, KCBS-TV reported.

The University of Idaho confirmed Sunday that McRoyal, 22, had died, but did not provide any further details.

"It's a devastating loss," coach Robb Akey said in a statement. "We've lost a brother, a teammate, a family member. But, more importantly, a momma lost her son today.

"All of our prayers go to the family -- that they can be strong in their healing from this tragedy."

McRoyal, a native of New Orleans, moved with his family to California following Hurricane Katrina. After playing at El Camino, he joined Idaho as a walk-on player. He had been granted a scholarship for his upcoming senior year after starting the Vandals' final game of the season.

He had returned to Los Angeles to spend time with his family, including his one-year-old daughter, friends said.

"He was a good dad, he was a great dude all around," his friend, Reynard Westbrook, told KABC. "He wanted to see his daughter when he got home ... she was his pride and joy."

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