17-Year-Old Killed In New London Shooting

NEW LONDON, CT — Police are investigating after a 17-year-old was killed in a shooting in New London. Police received a call at 6:22 p.m. for shots fired at Grand and Elm streets.

They arrived and found the victim in the road, who was pronounced deceased. Police said the crime does not appear to be random and the investigation is ongoing.

The victim was a local high school student, FOX 61 reported. The victim is Ronde Ford, NBC Connecticut reported.

His father, James Ford, told WTNH News 8 that his son "was a great dude" and he was "loved by so many."

"We just want everyone to know he didn’t deserve to be shot in the face twice. He was special...," his father said, according to News 8.

At a news conference Thursday, local officials said the victim was a football player and well-known at the high school.

New London Mayor Michael Passero said the entire community is mourning the teen's death.

"We are a small, very close-knit city, and when something like this happens to one of our families, we all suffer with them" Passero said, according to NBC CT.

Superintendent of Schools Cynthia Ritchie released a statement saying "it is with the deepest regret and sadness that I inform you about the tragic and sudden loss of one of our high school students."

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and to the entire school community of which this student was a beloved part," Ritchie said in a statement.

She said extra resources including counselors are being made available to help staff and students through this difficult period.

Anyone who has information and/or video concerning this shooting is encouraged to contact the New London Police Department’s detective bureau at 860-447-1481 or anonymous information may be submitted via the New London Tips 411 system by texting NLPDTip plus the information to Tip411 (847411).