Attorney: Cowboys' Kelvin Joseph did not shoot murdered Cameron Ray

Football fans were shocked to learn Thursday evening that Dallas Cowboys cornerback Kelvin Joseph was considered "a person of interest" in a murder investigation conducted by the Dallas Police Department regarding a March 18 shooting that left a 20-year-old man named Cameron Ray dead.

Barry Sorrels, Joseph's attorney, has provided an update on the situation to The Dallas Morning News.

"Kelvin Joseph did not shoot Cameron Ray," Sorrels said, according to Todd Archer of ESPN. "Mr. Ray's death is a tragedy, and Kelvin extends his deepest condolences for the family's loss. On the night of March 17, Kelvin was unarmed and was not looking for violence. He found himself in a situation that escalated without his knowledge or consent. Along with condolences to the Ray family, Kelvin apologizes to the Dallas community for being anywhere near this type of incident. The investigation is ongoing, and we intend to respect the process."

As noted by Archer and Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk, Dallas police have released surveillance video that shows an incident between two groups of people that included Joseph and Ray. Later that same night, shots were fired from an SUV and presumably killed Ray.

Per Williams, Texas law could result in charges for any person who was inside of that vehicle at the time of the shooting. 

"The Dallas Cowboys are aware of the tragic incident that occurred in Dallas on March 18," the franchise said in a statement shared by media outlets. "First and foremost, our hearts go out to Mr. Ray's family and loved ones. The organization is aware of Kelvin Joseph's possible connection to this incident. We are in contact with Dallas law enforcement and have alerted the NFL office. We have no further comment at this time."

Archer adds the Cowboys are encouraging Joseph to cooperate with the police investigation.