14-year-old high school football player with ‘infectious smile’ shot, killed in California

Two people were arrested and charged with murder following the deadly shooting of a 14-year-old boy from California, according to authorities.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department on Monday identified the suspects as Abel Ramirez, 27, as well as a 16-year-old boy. Both were taken into custody.

In a news release, the sheriff’s department said Jeremy Rosales was killed on January 16 shortly before 8:30 p.m.

Authorities said dispatch received multiple calls after gunshots were heard in Victorville. When deputies arrived at the scene, they found the boy in the street suffering from gunshot wounds.

He was taken to an area hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

“With heavy hearts, we share the devastating loss of Jeremy ‘Tank’ Rosales — a young man whose presence left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him,” his loved ones noted in a GoFundMe account.

“Tank was more than a football player. He was a great kid with an infectious smile, a loyal teammate, and a brother to so many who stood beside him on the field. He showed up with heart, grit, and humility, always lifting others up and embodying what it truly means to be part of a team. To those who played football with him, Tank wasn’t just a teammate, he was family. His loss has shaken our community to its core. The pain felt by his family, friends, and teammates is profound, and no words can fully capture the sorrow of saying goodbye far too soon,” according to the account.

The GoFundMe noted that all donations will go toward the boy’s family, including his parents.

KTLA reported that Rosales was a student at Oak Hills High School and attended Team Elite Sports Academy. His coach, Elliott Reyes, described him as a stellar athlete and a straight-A student.

“He developed a great name in the trenches because he was such a beast. He worked hard in the weight room, on the field. He was your typical student-athlete you would love to have in your program,” Rosales’s coach, Elliott Reyes, told the media outlet.

Investigators said while Ramirez is being held at the High Desert Detention Center in lieu of $1 million bail, the 16-year-old was taken to the High Desert Juvenile Detention Center.

The teenage suspect was taken to the High Desert Juvenile Detention Center.

Authorities said the investigation is ongoing and urged anyone who has information in connection to the case to contact the Homicide Detail at 909-890-4904. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should call We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME or visit wetip.com.