Teen shooting victim with ‘contagious’ smile likely to be targeted, police say – CBS Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – As Pittsburgh Police continue their search for the two accused of killing 15-year-old Marquis Campbell, some of those closest to him are thinking of him.

Campbell was shot twice in the chest of the two masked suspects are still large. The shooting happened just outside Oliver Citywide Academy around the end of school Wednesday afternoon. He was taken to Allegheny General Hospital, where he died a short time later.

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Academy Principal Oliver Citywide called it a heavy loss to the community.

“He is a kid that all the staff really love and care deeply about him. He will be truly missed by his colleagues and staff at Oliver Citywide,” said Principal Tony Esoldo. He called it a heavy loss to the community.

(Photo: Pittsburgh Public Schools)

Campbell was in ninth grade and has attended Oliver Citywide Academy since third grade. He’s excited to be back at school on Wednesday after a long weekend and the COVID closure.

“His smile was contagious and lit up an entire room,” said Pittsburgh Public Schools Interim Superintendent Wayne Walters. “His sense of humour is contagious, and staff have said it’s annoying right now because they love him so much.”

On Thursday, the sky was gray and cold and the school was empty. Students receive distance learning from staff.

“People are really devastated. Esoldo says:

This is Marquis Campbell, 15, shot to death just outside his school in Pittsburgh on Wednesday afternoon. There have been no arrests yet. Updated today on @KDKA News.
(Photo @PPSnews) pic.twitter.com/WOBfSE6cd6

– Ken Rice (@kenricekdka) January 20, 2022

He said he doesn’t know what Monday will bring when students return to class, but there will be an irreplaceable hole.

“This is just the moment for us to really come together, try to grieve and navigate this horrific event,” Esolodo said.

According to him, Campbell is always quick-witted and knows how to put a smile on his face.

“He can really make people laugh. He likes to joke around with people and tease people he knows and he cares about,” Esoldo said on Zoom.

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He said the 9th grader is very interested in studying at his school and always focuses on good grades. Amidst all that, he knows how to style and make up the hall when he is truly passionate about fashion.

“He’s really tall and we wanted to put him on the basketball team but I don’t think he wanted to get his shoes dirty,” Esoldo said with a laugh.

He said he will always remember the smiles and smiles shared with Campbell, but he will never forget how loved the 15-year-old was.

“Especially by his mother. The family is very close. It is a truly tragic loss for them and our hearts and thoughts and prayers are with them,” said Esoldo.

See: KDKA’s coverage from the scene Wednesday:

He spoke to Campbell’s mother today and was able to share some happy thoughts amid some tears.

Esoldo has received support from colleagues around the school district. Services are being provided to students and staff.

Investigators said Campbell may have been targeted, but they don’t have many leads in the case. No new developments on Thursday.

“For us, this is obviously a tragedy any time anyone is shot, but letting a teenager stand in front of a school is something we don’t accept,” Pittsburgh Police Chief Scott Schubert said. “We’re going to do everything we can with our investigative resources, every tool we have to try to locate those involved and arrest them.”

KDKA-TV’s Jessica Guay spoke to several members of Campbell’s family, who were saddened that some of them were not allowed into the hospital to say goodbye because of COVID-19 protocol.

A 15-year-old student shot outside Oliver Citywide Academy on the North Side has died in hospital, a source said. Several family members were gathered outside the AGH. There is a yellow ribbon and a police car in front of the trauma center entrance. It has been deleted now. @KDKA pic.twitter.com/H7tcAfoLRK

– Jessica Guay (@JessicaGuayTV) January 19, 2022

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Details of the probable motive are still unknown.