Keeping fans safe one year after deadly Choctaw shooting
CHOCTAW, Okla. (KFOR) — It's been one year since deadly gunfire erupted at a high school football game in Choctaw.
This year, the district is reminding fans of updated rules now in place to make sure it doesn't happen again.
Choctaw High School is preparing for its first home game of the season this Friday.
It was during last year's home opener when 16-year-old Cordea Carter was killed.
Amid the panic, Demetrize Carter was also shot by an off-duty Del City police officer working security.
News 4 reached out to the school district to see what, if any changes they're making to security this season.
Choctaw-Nicoma Park School District says it's focused on the year and moving forward as a school and community.
In an effort to ensure safety, an email was sent to parents today with event protocols.
Attendees must now enter the stadium through 'Security Detection Systems.'
Some other measures include:
● No Re-entry
● Middle and High School Students from both participating schools need a current school
year picture ID and it must be worn at all times to attend the event
● All Middle School, Elementary School students and any other student regardless of age
from schools not competing must have a parent/guardian or chaperone present at the
event
● All Elementary and Middle students must be seated with a parent/guardian
or chaperone
● All students should be seated in their designated competing schools area(s)
● Students must remain on their respective side of the field with the exception of band or
AFJROTC when accompanied by an adult or sponsor
● Clear plastic tote bags 12”x 6”x 12” are permitted (1 per person)
● Non-transparent clutch wallets no larger than 6.5” x 4.5” are permitted (1 per person)
● Family care items such as diaper bags are permitted in a clear tote bag
● Bags necessary for approved medical equipment are permitted
● No other bags/backpacks are allowed
The district also stated what items are prohibited:
● Explosives, firearms or weapons (Oklahoma prohibits possession of a firearm on any
public or private school property)
● Alcohol (any form), Tobacco, Vapes or any other illegal substance
● Bags, backpacks, fanny packs and hard binocular cases
● Beach balls, footballs or any other sporting equipment
● Coolers, ice chest or containers
● Outside food or drinks
● Laser pointers
● Noisemakers of any type that could cause stopage of play
● Pets (with the exception of registered service animals)
● Umbrellas (Subject to search)
● Any other items deemed inappropriate by CNP Schools.
As for the investigation, it still remains a mystery as to who pulled the trigger.
In January, the district attorney dropped charges against a teenager initially accused in the shooting.
Then in April, an Oklahoma County grand jury said they would not file any charges against the Del City Police officer who opened fire, shooting Demetrize Carter.
News 4 reached out the Choctaw Police Department who says they, along with the OSBI, are continuing to follow leads on this case.
"It can be solved, we need eyewitnesses to come forward," said Chief Kelly Marshall, with the Choctaw Police Department.
Marshall encourages you to reach out to their department or the OSBI if you have any information about the case.