Investigators Seek Answers In High School Basketball Player's Slaying

LYNWOOD, Ill. (CBS) -- Nearly a week after the shooting death of a Hillcrest high school basketball player, the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force is now involved in hopes to gathering information that will solve the crime.

As WBBM Newsradio 780's Mary Frances Bragiel reports, investigators say they had hoped to have someone in custody, at this point, for the shooting death of Ryan Royall, of Country Club Hills.

But after talking with more than 50 witnesses, detectives say they need more information.

LISTEN: Newsradio 780's Mary Frances Bragiel reports

The 17-year-old was shot and killed while standing in the parking lot of the Ho Chunk Sports and Expo Center, at 10 Southland Dr. in south suburban Lynwood, just after attending a birthday party.

He was pronounced dead at Franciscan St. Margaret Mary Health Care in Dyer, Ind., and the Lake County, Ind., coroner's office said he was shot at last once in the back.

Royall, who just finished his junior year at Hillcrest High School, played basketball for the school. The guard and he was seen playing all day Saturday during the Riverside-Brookfield Summer Tournament.

Police say nearly 500 kids attended the party where Royall was killed, and that the shooting does not appear to be gang- or drug-related.

In addition to Royall, a 16-year-old was also shot but survived.

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• Mary Frances Bragiel