Police Investigate Shooting Death Of High School Football Star In Camden

By Tim Jimenez

CAMDEN, N.J. (CBS) -- Authorities are searching for the gunman who shot and killed a high school football star in Camden, New Jersey.

Police say an alert from Camden's gunshot detection system led officers to 18-year-old Jameer Bullard, who was found lying on the sidewalk in the 1200 block of Mechanic Street near Green Street with a gunshot wound around 12:30 a.m. Saturday. He was rushed to Cooper University Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Bullard had a promising future as a football player. He recently transferred to Camden High from Woodrow Wilson High School where he excelled as a linebacker.

"He's the kid that every coach wants to coach," said Preston Brown, Bullard's high school football coach. "Everything you need on the field, outside of the field. He's just the ultimate teammate."

According to the college sports site Rivals, Bullard drew interest from Temple, Rutgers and the University of Minnesota.

"He had opportunities to prepare to go to college," said Brown. "Unfortunately, that was taken from him, so it's a tough time."

"Jameer's passing is tragic, and we join his classmates, teammates, coaches, teachers and loved ones in mourning his loss," Camden City School District Superintendent Paymon Rouhanifard said in a statement. "We're closely supporting the students, staff and family during this most difficult time."

The Camden County Prosecutor's Office and police department are trying to determine a motive and are seeking tips from the public.