Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS Manchester police cruisers are parked on a road that was within the large area they cordoned off during the investigation into the suspicious death of a man in Derryfield Park. (Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS)

MANCHESTER — What began Sunday morning as an investigation into a suspicious death near Al Lemire Field at Derryfield Park has now shifted to a homicide investigation, based on the findings of an autopsy of the victim’s body conducted Monday by Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Mitchell Weinberg.

The deceased young man has been identified as 20-year-old Thamba Mbungu, a former Central High School soccer star who, according to reports, has been making a name for himself in the amateur soccer arena as a member of the elite Valeo FC, based in Newton Centre, Massachusetts.

Weinberg’s autopsy report, according to Attorney General John Formella, ruled Mbungu’s death was caused by a gunshot wound in the back, and the manner of his death is homicide.

Formella and Manchester police Chief Allen Aldenberg said the case has been “under active investigation” since Mbungu’s body was discovered by police, firefighters and medical personnel called to the park at about 7:40 Sunday morning.

Meanwhile, a GoFundMe account has been established in Mbungu’s memory to assist his family. It was created by Femi Fatukasi, who described Mbungu as “a great soul,” and lamented “the terrible news” that left him with “great sadness in my heart.”

Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS The Manchester police Critical Incident Response Unit is stationed at the large cordoned off area in Derryfield Park Sunday, as detectives investigate the shooting that claimed the life of 20-year-old Manchester resident Thamba Mbungu. (Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS)

Fatukasi also recalled Mbungu as “a great soccer player (who) we’d all hoped to see go pro,” referring to professional-level soccer.

The fundraiser was created with a goal of raising $10,000; as of Monday evening to total passed the $14,000 mark.

The post also said Mbungu had also been associated recently with the New England Revolution Academy, where he was known as “a true competitor, a great person, humble and caring,” according to Revolution assistant coach Marcelo Santos.

To view the account and to make a donation, go to gf.me/v/c/mmrv/funeral-expenses-for-thamba.

Upon their arrival Sunday morning, police immediately cordoned off large portions of the park with crime scene tape, while several cruisers were stationed at entrances to the park, playground, and several sports fields.

Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS Manchester detectives walk toward the department's Critical Incident Response Unit as it arrives at the scene of the shooting Sunday that claimed the life of 20-year-old Thamba Mbungu. (Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS)

Police placed evidence markers, photographed the scene and gathered evidence that was brought to the crime scene truck. A body could be seen on the hill leading to the sports field and to the left of the playground.

As police worked, several people gathered at the edge of the crime scene tape, identifying themselves as Mbungu’s family members and friends. In emotional pleas to police, they asked to see the young man, but were turned away.

A detective spoke with some of the family members, explaining it was early in the investigation and it would be several hours before access was available.

Meanwhile, detectives were seen going door to door on Bridge Street and several other nearby streets.

Several neighbors who gathered at the park watching investigators said they had heard what they thought were firecrackers early Sunday morning, but were unsure if it was gunfire.

Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS The press box at Al Lemire Field in Derryfield Park, near which a shooting took place Sunday, claiming the life of a 20-year-old Manchester man. (Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS)

Telegraph contributor Jeffrey Hastings provided material for this report.

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.

GoFundMe photo Thamba Mbungu, 20, of Manchester

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