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Updated at 4:45 p.m.: Revised to include comment from Craig Bohl, the University of Wyoming’s head football coach.
A 17-year-old Lancaster High senior and Wyoming football recruit was fatally shot and another person was wounded early Sunday at a Hawthorn Suites hotel in the Stemmons Corridor, Dallas police say.
Tony Evans Jr. and another person were shot about 1:30 a.m. in a room at the hotel at 7900 Brookriver Drive, about 3 miles from Dallas Love Field airport.
Both victims were taken to a hospital, where Evans was pronounced dead. The other victim, whom police did not identify, was in stable condition.
Friends said Evans was raised in Lancaster, and he had just signed a national letter of intent in February to play football at the University of Wyoming. As a senior wide receiver, he had 13 catches for 268 yards and four touchdowns for Lancaster High last season.
His mother, Aretha Evans, said in a text message that her son was a devout Christian who prayed daily and loved to sing and drive his car.
“We are on an emotional rollercoaster,” she said. “Our son’s life was abruptly ended. We have been left broken-hearted. Pray for us to have strength as we prepare to lay our beloved Tony Evans Jr. to rest.”
She described her son as a caring person who was enthusiastic about life, with a great personality and great character. He was determined and hardworking, she added.
“He encouraged those around him,” she said.
Rodney Hudson, 18, said he was friends with Evans for years but hadn’t talked to him in about a month. He remembered talking to Evans about football during one of their last conversations.
“He wanted everything to work out,” Hudson said. “And he was going to have a breakout season. That’s what he did. Whatever he told me, he did.”
Hudson said Evans was funny and outgoing and especially kindhearted and genuine.
“There was nothing fake about him; he’s real,” Hudson said. “Even though he was playful, he’s real. That love that he showed is real. I just want people to know that.”
The University of Wyoming’s football program released a written statement Sunday afternoon, expressing sadness over the news of Evans’ death.
“Our hearts are with the Evans family as they go through this incredibly difficult time,” head coach Craig Bohl said. “We are so sad to hear of Tony’s passing. We have been in contact with Tony’s family and are here to support them in any way we can.”
No one had been taken into custody for the shootings and police have not released details about what led to them.
Investigators have asked anyone with information about the case to contact Detective Kim Mayfield at 214-671-3646 or kimberly.mayfield@dallascityhall.com and refer to case number 061917-2021.
Crime Stoppers has offered a reward up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment in the case. Anonymous tips may be provided at 214-373-TIPS.