17-Year-Old Football Star's Death Marks 3rd Dallas Homicide In June

DALLAS, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) - Leroy Hawkins, 17, is the latest victim of violence on the streets of Dallas.

He was shot just after midnight in a parking lot near North Akard and Federal streets.

Police said the recent DeSoto High School graduate was shot while he was sitting in the front passenger seat of a red Pontiac. He was found with multiple gunshot wounds still sitting in the car.

Dallas Fire-Rescue transported Hawkins to Baylor Hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Hawkins was a football player, headed to Jackson State University this summer, on a full scholarship.

A former high school coach of the teen, describes him as always smiling, and said the standout offensive lineman "had so much more life in him to live."

The coach received a phone call in the middle of the night, telling him about the murder.

In a statement the Vice President and Director of Athletics for Jackson State University told CBS 11 News: "We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Leroy Hawkins." "leroy was a tremendous son, athlete, student and friend, and he will be sorely missed. We offer our deepest condolences to his family and friends."

Hawkins was a standout offensive lineman at DeSoto High School. He helped lead the Eagles to a 9-3 overall record, a 5-2 mark in league play and advanced to the second round of the 6A Division I playoffs.

According to MaxPreps, a website that covers American high school sports, Hawkins was a Top 300 offensive lineman and 34th in Texas.

"Leroy Hawkins was a very special young man. We will keep Leroy and his family and friends in our thoughts and prayers through this difficult time," said another one of Hawkins' coaches, JSU Head Football Coach John Hendrick.

Although school is out for the year, counselors were made available at the high school Tuesday for those needing additional support.

Dallas police are still looking for the suspect.

This marks the third homicide investigation since the start of June.