A 16-year-old Camden, New Jersey high school football player died Friday afternoon after being shot inside a home with multiple juveniles present, according to the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office.
Xyere Brooks, a sophomore at KIPP High School in Camden, New Jersey, was found with a gunshot wound at approximately 12:35 p.m. on June 6 at a residence on the 1500 block of Thorn Street. Police responded to reports of a person shot and discovered Brooks inside the home. He was transported to Cooper University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 2:15 p.m.
The Camden County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that multiple juveniles were present in the residence at the time of the incident. Detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances under which the firearm was discharged. No criminal charges have been filed as of this week, and the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Brooks’ family members believe the shooting was a tragic accident. His brother, Manazh Tompkins, told local media that a female put the gun to Brooks’ head and did not expect it to go off. The victim’s mother, Antoinette Brooks, indicated her son had spent the night at a friend’s house and had a day off from school. She expressed concern about parents leaving unsupervised teenage children at home without knowing what they might bring into their homes.
The teenager was described as a standout athlete with significant potential. His mother indicated that Brooks was already in discussions with universities including Syracuse and Rutgers about playing on their football teams. Head football coach James Tompkins characterized Brooks as the best running back in South Jersey in his class and noted that Brooks helped lead KIPP to their first playoff game in school history.
KIPP High School issued a statement describing Brooks as a committed student, loyal and encouraging teammate and friend, and a standout running back whose talent and drive were evident to all who knew him. The school noted that Brooks began his journey at KIPP Lanning Square Middle School as a fifth-grader with a smile that could light up a room, competitive spirit, and energy that brought joy to every hallway and dance battle.
The school community responded to the tragedy by canceling regular classes on Monday, June 9, to allow staff and students space to process Brooks’ loss. Counseling and support services were offered to students on campus throughout the week. A vigil was held for Brooks on Monday night at a football field in Camden, where students, teachers and teammates gathered to remember the teenager.
Brooks’ twin sister, who was a cheerleader, had been looking forward to being on the football field with him in the fall. She expressed her love for her brother and wished he was still with her. Coach Tompkins indicated the team would take it one day at a time and do their best to honor Brooks, support his family and the rest of the team.
The teenager was also remembered for his community involvement, including taking a leading role in No Crime Week. His aunt, Ada Banks, noted that Brooks was a spokesperson for the initiative and could be found on YouTube in a front and center role. Family members described him as someone who would have been a great addition to any team looking to take him to the next level and boost his potential as a football player.
At a vigil held for Brooks, his mother described him as an up-and-coming young man who had a bright future and meant everything to her. His sister, Verniyah Oliphant, noted that Brooks gave so much to the community and the people around him, expressing that what happened to him was not fair.
The Camden County Prosecutor’s Office and Camden County Police Department are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Authorities are working to determine who owned the gun and the specific circumstances leading up to the discharge.
KIPP High School officials indicated that grief support would be available for students and staff throughout the week following the incident. The school asked families to check their email for detailed schedules and information on additional support resources during this difficult time.
A Celebration of Life for Brooks has been scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sunday at Doreen Boyd Legacy Hall in Camden, with a viewing planned from 9 to 11 a.m. The school community described Brooks as a forever member of their family who would be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing and supporting him.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Detective Joseph Fogg of the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit at (856) 225-5063 and Detective Brandon Bolger of the Camden County Police Department at (609) 519-3981. Tips can also be sent to CAMDEN.TIPS.
