On Tuesday evening, October 10, 2023, at Sherman Park in St. Louis, a youth football coach was shot during a training session.
In the midst of coaching a team of children between the ages of nine and ten, Shaquille Latimore, 30, was reportedly shot multiple times. The alleged shooter, Daryl Clemmons, 43, is both a former coach and the father of a child on Latimore’s team. The attack resulted in injuries to Latimore’s leg, arm, back, and abdomen.
The root of this violent act appears to be Clemmons’ displeasure over how much his son played in recent games. Not long after the event, Clemmons surrendered himself to the local police.
Latimore was provided medical attention and underwent surgery. He is presently in critical but stable condition. Relatives have stated that, post-surgery, he remains optimistic and in good spirits.
On the legal front, Clemmons has been indicted with charges of first-degree assault and armed criminal action. He is currently incarcerated without the option of bond.
The repercussions of the incident extend to the young players and other attendees who witnessed the event. Highlighting the importance of youth sports as a platform to inculcate positive values, SeMiko Latimore, the coach’s mother, has voiced her anguish. To aid those affected, counseling services are being offered by the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis in collaboration with the city.