Authorities are presently investigating the deadly shooting of an 18-year-old woman near a dormitory located on the campus of Delaware State University early on Sunday.
Delaware State University Campus Shooting
Dover Police reported that campus law enforcement got notice of a shooting happening on campus at 1:40 a.m., near Warren-Franklin Hall, where they found the victim with an upper-body gunshot injury.
The young woman, whose identity was not disclosed, hailed from Wilmington, roughly 50 miles north of the institution, and was not a registered student of DSU.
"Officers provided immediate medical assistance to the victim and she was subsequently transported to Bayhealth Kent Campus for treatment," declared the police. "Unfortunately, the 18-year-old passed away at the hospital due to her injuries."
Dover police have started a homicide investigation and are cooperating with university police. In response, the university stated on Sunday affirming that staff members are undertaking all necessary actions to ensure the health and well-being of the campus community.
"The Tubman Laws Hall housing office is offering counseling services," the university remarked. "The campus is closed today, with events canceled, and heightened police patrols. Visitation will not be permitted today."
At this juncture, no description of the suspect is available, according to police in the release. Both university police and Dover police are cooperatively investigating the shooting.
Delaware State University announced that all campus events for Sunday were canceled, and there has been an addition in police patrols.
18-Year-Old Victim May Have Been Caught in Crossfire
Established in 1891 and situated in Delaware's capital, Delaware State University is one of roughly 107 Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the United States, according to the US Department of Labor.
Master Corporal Ryan Schmid of the Dover Police Department declared, "The only thing that we can release right now is that something happened in the area of that residence hall which led to shots being fired. We don't believe the 18-year-old was involved in anything and it seems like unfortunately she was just caught, for a lack of a better term, in the crossfire."
Deirdre Foreman, a parent of a DSU student, expressed her shock at the shooting, noting the contrast to her own college experience. "We were just talking about back when we were in college, how things were not like that in terms of gun violence. And nowadays it's just so out of control," she said.
Sophomore student Jaiden Palmer called for improved security measures at the university, expressing accessibility concerns. "It's easily accessible for people to jump gates. It's easily accessible for you to say you're somebody you're not and it's easy for you to get in," Palmer said. "My heart and prayers go out to the girl's family."
Delaware State University accepted its assurance of the security and well-being of the campus community and disclosed the closure of all classes on Monday.
The Delaware State University Student Government Association defined the shooting as "tragic" and called for unity and support within the campus community during this challenging time.
Police declared that no other wounded were reported in relation to the shooting, and presently, there is no description of any probable suspects.
Authorities are asking anyone with any information concerning the shooting to reach out to the Dover Police Department or Delaware Crime Stoppers. They can also contact DSUPD directly.
The campus remained closed on Sunday evening, as verified by a spokesperson from the Dover Police Department.
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