Family, friends gather to remember 14-year-old boy shot at party in Woodbury

Family and friends attended a vigil for a 14-year-old boy shot to death at a graduation party in Woodbury.

The family of Demaris Hobbs-Ekdahl of Maplewood confirmed with 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS that the boy died after being transported from the graduation party to a nearby hospital. Hobbs-Ekdahl was a sophomore at Tartan High School, the family said.

Hobbs-Ekdahl was with his 16-year-old brother driving away from the party in Woodbury when the shooting happened.

14-year-old boy dies after shooting in Woodbury near graduation party

Witnesses told police that a white SUV and a dark SUV or truck were believed to be involved.

So far, investigators have not yet released any motives or what led up to the shooting.

A large group attended a vigil for Hobbs-Ekdahl in an Oakdale park Sunday night and released hundreds of blue and silver balloons as a tribute.

Hobbs-Ekdahl was a member of the Oakdale High School football team and his teammates huddled around each other at the vigil.

Meanwhile, Hobbs-Ekdahl’s mother said she felt, “sad. Hurt. Don’t know what to do. Lost my baby. For something stupid. He was a good kid. Didn’t do nothing wrong. Good at school, sports. Always kept a smile on his face. Loved his dad who was always there to protect him. Now, he’s gone and there’s nothing we can do to bring him back.”

Hobbs-Ekdahl’s aunt created a GoFundMe to help pay for burial services.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call Woodbury police.