Laurel High basketball star dies in shooting
By LAUREL — Laurel High School senior basketball player Corey Mumford was the victim of a fatal shooting in the Wexford Village Apartments complex Friday. The Laurel School District identified Mr. Mumford as the victim on its Facebook page Saturday.
Delaware State Police, which had not identified Mr. Mumford by Saturday evening, said the “victim” was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds behind one of the apartment buildings Friday. The Laurel Police department was called to the apartments at approximately 2:40 p.m., authorities said.
According to state police spokeswoman Sgt. India Sturgis, officers began CPR and attempted lifesaving measures until EMS arrived on scene. Mr. Mumford was then transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
The Laurel Police Department requested that the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit assume the investigation due to the nature of the incident. Sgt. Sturgis said no suspect information was available Saturday night.
Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective A. Bluto by calling 302-741-2859. Information may also be provided by sending a Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
On Saturday, Laurel School District Superintendent Dr. Shawn Larrimore released the following message that was addressed to Laurel families and posted on Facebook:
“As many of you are aware, yesterday, one of our LHS seniors, Corey Mumford, was shot and killed in a senseless act of violence.”
He said that on Monday, the school would be holding a before-school standup faculty meeting to provide all LHS staff with guidance on how to assist distraught students. Delaware State Police Victim Services counselors will be available to students and staff. Laurel Ministerial leaders will also be available to students and staff.
LMHS Behaviorial Health coordinators and guidance counselors will be available to students and staff.
Additionally, the Laurel Police Department will be assisting constable officers this week to ensure the “safety and tranquility of the school environment,” Dr. Lattimore said.
The message noted that Mr. Mumford had earned the Most Valuable Player award at the Delaware Blue-Gold All-Star Basketball Game. He scored 20 points in a 157-151 win in Dover on March 18.
Mr. Mumford was an honorable mention all-state selection in his senior year at Laurel High. He had been named one of the top 15 downstate players in the state.
The senior had planned on furthering his academics and basketball career by attending Dundalk Community College in Maryland, Dr. Lattimore said.
Dr. Lattimore’s message concluded with “He is, indeed, gone far too soon. Let us all work together to stop the violence that ends lives and breaks hearts.”
Sports editor Andy Walter contributed to this story.
