Philadephia Police are investigating the murder of the father of Los Angeles Lakers guard Wayne Ellington Jr., who was shot over the weekend in the Germantown section of the city.
Wayne Ellington, 57, was found shot in the head in the driver's seat of a car just after 8 p.m. Sunday. The Philadelphia Daily News reports that he was taken to Einstein Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead later that night.
According to the Daily News, police have found no ballistic evidence except for a bullet hole on the inside of the car's passenger-side door. Investigators believe whoever shot Ellington fired through the open window on the driver's side. The car hit two other vehicles parked on the block before coming to rest where it was found. Chief Inspector Scott Small said that no surveillance cameras or witnesses to the shooting have been located.
Wayne Ellington Jr. said in a statement on the Lakers' website that he and his family were "devastated by the news of my father's murder" and asked "anyone with any information to come forward to help authorities solve this case." The sixth-year pro has been granted an indefinite leave of absence.
Ellington was not with the Lakers on Tuesday night for their game in Memphis. Lakers coach Byron Scott said in his pregame comments that he learned of the senior Ellington's death Sunday night after the Lakers win over Charlotte.
"Driving home all I did was think about (Ellington)," Scott said. "It's really just very sad news."
Scott said there is no timetable for the guard's return. Ellington will be given the time to spend with his family. "When he's ready, I'm sure he will rejoin us."
Scott recalled that Ellington Jr. was going to his car after the game when he apparently got the news about his father. The coach said other Lakers were with Ellington when Scott reached the player.
"This is our livelihood, but this is still just a game," Scott said. "This thing that's happened to Wayne is real life. It kind of puts everything in perspective.
"I think all of us, every now and then, during the game, after the game, before the game, will have Wayne on our mind," Scott added.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Fox News First
Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.
