Sheriff’s office, school district address rumors following alleged homicide of student
District cancels soccer match, increases law enforcement presence at schools
Eagle County School District this week canceled a soccer match between Battle Mountain and Eagle Valley high schools and pledged to increase law enforcement presence at future games.
In a statement to parents on Tuesday evening, Superintendent Philip Qualman said the cancellation was made “out of an abundance of caution after we were informed of an alleged incident last night.”
“At this time we have no information to corroborate that anything occurred, but the investigation is ongoing,” Qualman added. “We will continue to coordinate with law enforcement as they conduct a thorough investigation.”
The statement also addressed the proliferation of rumors as well as the heightened tensions and emotions in the community following the alleged homicide of a teenager last week.
A ninth grader from Eagle Valley High School died following an alleged altercation at Second Street Park in Gypsum on April 24. The incident is being investigated as a homicide by the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office.
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The sheriff’s office said multiple teenagers were involved in the incident and a suspect who fled the scene prior to deputies’ arrival was apprehended shortly after the incident and remains in custody.
In his statement, Qualman said the circulation of rumors poses a significant concern for the Eagle County community.
“Rumors have spread via social media platforms that are creating unfounded worry and fear,” Qualman said. “In that vein, I encourage everyone to be mindful of the potential downsides of social media. There are videos circulating in our community that cause both direct and vicarious trauma for youth and adults. Please do not perpetuate the spreading of disturbing content, and work with your kids to ensure the same.”
One rumor that the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office confirmed is not true is that a stabbing occurred this week on Monday evening.
“I can confirm there was no stabbing and we had an allegation made yesterday that’s still under investigation,” Eagle County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Ashley LaFleur said on Tuesday.
The incident at Second Street Park occurred during Eagle County School District’s weeklong spring break, and Qualman described Monday’s return to class as a difficult day for the district.
“We increased law enforcement presence at schools and will see this increased presence at games and activities that are scheduled to go on as planned,” Qualman said.
Qualman said parents can help by talking to kids about using social media responsibly, and recommended parents visit KidsHealth.org for additional resources.
“Please assist us with controlling social media by sitting and talking with your kids and learn how they use social media and what they are receiving and sending,” he said. “Sharing names of youth on social media platforms promotes division, harms families, and unravels our community.”
Qualman said the district has received information from students and parents and followed up on it, and encouraged the community to continue to utilize the Safe2Tell hotline to report additional concerns at 877-542-7233.