Police are investigating after a man was fatally shot Sunday afternoon during a youth football game at Eden Park, leaving families and children traumatized.
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The incident happened around 3:15 p.m. in the 900 block of New Castle Avenue. What was supposed to be a normal day of community sports turned into chaos as gunfire erupted during halftime of a 10-and-under matchup between the New Castle Jaguars and the Upland Hurricanes.
According to officials, 36-year-old Lamar Massas was shot multiple times on the sidelines. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later died.
Referee Walt Boone, who was officiating the game, described the terrifying scene:
“Pop, pop, pop, and then I heard people yelling, ‘Oh my God, he shot him!’ I looked over and saw a man lying on the ground. I never saw who did it.”
Boone said at first the shots sounded like fireworks until panic overtook the field.
“People were running, screaming, looking for their children, trying to jump in their cars,” he said.
Hundreds of parents and children were present. Instead of post-game celebrations, families are now left coping with unimaginable trauma. Boone added:
“Instead of having practice [Monday], parents now have to sit down and talk to their children about this. It just shouldn’t be like that.”
Police said the shooter approached the victim on the sidelines and opened fire before fleeing. The game was immediately called off as families scrambled to safety.
The Wilmington Police Department confirmed the case remains under investigation.
Community Support Services
- WPD Victim Services Unit: (302) 576-3622 — available to provide support, information, and referrals to crime victims.
- WPD Youth Response Unit: (302) 576-3183 — offering free counseling and services to children and families exposed to traumatic events.
