Shana Leaupepe (1985-2006)

(NMSU) New Mexico State linebacker Shana Leaupepe was killed in a drive by shooting incident this morning in Long Beach, California. He was 21. Leaupepe was there to visit his girlfriend when the shooting took place at 1:20 AM Pacific time today. Sgt. David Cannan told the Las Cruces Sun-Times this afternoon that he was not a target himself and the suspect has yet to be found in this random and senseless act. Leaupepe was projected, in many circles, to be the starting middle linebacker as the NMSU Aggies looked to improve on a winless 2005. He had sat out last season as a redshirt. Leaupepe, born in Amerian Samoa, had played his high school ball in Los Angeles at Samoana High School. He came to Las Cruces after two seasons at West Los Angeles College, where he excelled. He leaves behind his father Mulinu’u Leaupepe, mother Fipe Leiataua, 2 sisters, 4 brothers, and his girlfriend. (EDIT: We received the correct family information in a comment below. On behalf of In the Bleachers, I deeply and sincerely apologize for not being 100% correct as long as send our condolences.)