Bright high school football star, 19, ‘shot dead for his hat’ in ‘senseless’ killing

A beloved Orange County school football star killed in a wild late-night shooting and car crash was senselessly murdered for a hat he was wearing at the time, a friend of his family said.

Los Angeles County deputies responded to the 14000 block of South Stanford Avenue in Compton shortly before 10 p.m. last Thursday, after receiving reports of a shooting.

The victim, identified as William Leapart, 19, by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office, was found dead at the scene, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Leapart was a star cornerback and wide receiver for the Tustin High School Tillers football team.

He left behind a host of heartbroken friends and family members who remembered him for his achievements and impeccable character.

Rapper and football coach Curtis “Spider Loc” Williams, who coached Leapart and is a friend to his parents and younger brother, said the football star was killed by a shooter who wanted to take the hat Leapart was wearing at the time.

“William was killed by the streets. William didn’t gangbang. He did well in school and he had a loving family,” said Williams in a video posted to Instagram.

“When are black lives going start mattering to black people? It don’t make no sense,” Williams added.  

Leapart was proud of his performance on the field and posted videos of winning plays on his X profile.

He maintained a 3.4 grade point average and sought recruitment by black colleges.

“Looking for the right opportunity!! Recruitment 100% open,” he wrote on X in December 2023.

Leapart’s old team paid him a touching tribute on social media.

“As soon as he arrived on campus, he set the example of what is the standard of a student athlete is. He was quiet, humble and had one of the biggest hearts,” states a post on the Tillers’ Instagram profile.  

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Leapart family. Hoping for peace with everyone who has come across Will,” the post continues. “Once a Tiller, Always a Tiller”

The class of 2024 Tustin grad who wore the number seven jersey was remembered fondly by his stricken classmates.

“Rest in peace William you are greatly missed,” replied one friend of the slain teen on Instagram.  

Video from the scene of Leapart’s killing shows his white sedan crashed head-on into a utility pole on Stanford Avenue after he was shot while driving the vehicle.

Investigators taped off the vehicle as they searched for clues at the scene.

The LASD is still investigating the case. Investigators have not released any information on a possible suspect.

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