Allen High School

Allen High Student Fatally Shot at Party in Plano: Police

Allen ISD identified the student Sunday as sophomore Marquel Ellis Jr.

An Allen High School student was fatally shot Saturday night at a party in Plano, police say.

Officers responded about 10 p.m. to a shooting in the 3200 block of Peachtree Lane, near Spring Creek Parkway.

Police said there was a party in the home and that several people were kicked out. They allegedly returned and opened fire into the house, according to police.

A 16-year-old student, identified Sunday by Allen ISD as Marquel Ellis Jr., was shot and taken to a local hospital where he later died. 

Officers responded about 10 p.m. to a shooting in the 3200 block of Peachtree Lane, near Spring Creek Parkway.

His family said he was playing video games when he was shot.

Ellis was a sophomore at Allen High School and a wide receiver on the Eagles' junior varsity football team.

Allen High School head football coach Terry Gambill said Ellis was a talented athlete, quiet and good kid with a bright smile.

Police did not provide many details of the shooting, but initially said the incident occurred at a house that could be rented on an online market. 

Neighbor Christopher Cook was at home when the shooting happened.

"I was sitting in my bedroom and all I hear is maybe nine or 10 gunshots and then nothing else," 15-year-old Cook said. "I didn't think much of it. I thought it was firecrackers."

Police did not release information Sunday as far as who the house was rented to.

Neighbors said there are often parties held in the house — parties that are sometimes rowdy.

There is a "Ring" video doorbell at the home. Police said they would see if it captured anything related to the shooting.

The school said it arranged for counselors to be available for students and staff on Monday.  

A tweet from the Allen High School men's basketball team described Marquel as someone "teammates loved being around." 

Police do not think there is a threat to the public.

Ellis' family told NBC 5 "sports were his life."

The family started a GoFundMe page Sunday to help pay for his funeral expenses.

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