Fatal Shooting at the University of Memphis

In the last several months, there has been a wave of on-campus shootings nationwide. The latest happened right here at home when a University of Memphis football player was fatally shot on Sunday on the U of M campus. As a result of the shooting, classes have been cancelled for Monday, October 1st and the director of Campus Police Services has issued the following statement:

On Sunday, September 30, 2007, around 9:45 PM, a student was shot in the vicinity of the Carpenter Complex. He then drove to Zach Curlin and Central and was involved in a single car automobile accident. He was transported to the MED where he was pronounced dead.

While suspect information cannot be released at this time, the initial investigation indicates this was an act directed specifically toward the victim and was not a random act of violence. During the preliminary investigation all residence halls were closed shortly after the incident. However, subsequent information revealed that the persons responsible left the University area immediately. Residence halls will reopen at 7:00 AM on October 1, 2007.

The Memphis Police Department’s Homicide Bureau is leading the investigation with the assistance of the University Police. The investigation is continuing and further information will be made available as it develops.

If you have any information related to this incident, please call the University Police at 678-4357 (HELP), e-mail police@memphis.edu, or submit a tip anonymously at http://bf.memphis.edu/police/confidential.php.

Classes at the main campus only are cancelled on Monday, October 1, 2007, to allow time for further police investigation, and to ensure the well-being of our students, faculty, staff and visitors.

President Raines has announced that all University offices will be open to allow students to have access to counselors and advisors. While classes are cancelled on Monday, October 1, 2007, when they resume on October 2 professors should take into account the effect this event may have had on students. Students are encouraged to speak with their professors if they feel the need.

Plans for memorial services and other responses to this tragedy will be announced by the Student Government Association and the Office of Student Affairs.