Tustin High Football Star William Leapart Killed in Senseless Compton Shooting

LOS ANGELES, Cal. (THN News) - William “Will” Leapart, a 19-year-old former Tustin High School football standout, was killed late Thursday night in Compton in a shooting that has left friends, family members, teammates, and the Orange County community grieving.

Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies responded shortly before 10 p.m. to the 14000 block of South Stanford Avenue after reports of a shooting, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Leapart was found dead at the scene.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office identified the victim as William Leapart, 19. He was known across Tustin for his athletic talent, his presence on the field, and the character that friends say made him easy to root for.

A close friend of Leapart’s family said the shooting reportedly stemmed from a hat he was wearing at the time. Authorities have not publicly confirmed a motive.

A quiet field reflects the loss felt by a school community.

Deputies responded to a late-night shooting in Compton

The shooting happened shortly before 10 p.m. last Thursday in Compton, according to sheriff’s officials. Deputies were called to the area after reports of gunfire.

When they arrived, they found Leapart dead at the scene. The incident was also described in reports as involving a car crash, though officials have released limited details about the sequence of events.

The case remains part of an active law enforcement investigation. Public details so far have been limited to the location, time frame, victim identification, and the confirmation that deputies responded to a reported shooting.

No suspect information has been included in the available details provided in the brief. Authorities have not publicly announced arrests in the information presented here.

For the people who knew Leapart, the lack of answers adds another layer to the grief. A young man known for focus, discipline, and promise was taken in a violent moment far from the football field where so many knew his name.