Tragedy Strikes Delaware State University Campus
DOVER, Del. (CBS) -- A tragic incident unfolded on Delaware State University's campus in the early hours of Sunday morning, as an 18-year-old woman lost her life in a shooting.
Authorities from the Dover Police Department received reports of a shooting near the Warren Franklin Residential Hall on campus at approximately 1:40 a.m. Upon arrival, they discovered the victim, an 18-year-old female from Wilmington, with a gunshot wound to her upper body.
Despite being rushed to Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus, the young woman, who was not a registered student at the university, succumbed to her injuries. Law enforcement has not yet disclosed her identity.
University officials revealed that the victim, along with potentially another female companion, were visiting a student on campus when the shooting occurred.
The perpetrator remains at large and was last seen fleeing towards College Road, according to DSU authorities.
"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," stated Master Corporal Ryan Schmid of the Dover Police Department. "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 better term, in the crossfire."
DSU parent Deirdre Foreman said she learned about the shooting through a text from the school. She came to campus to check on her son who is a senior at the university.
"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," Foreman said.
Sophomore student Jaiden Palmer said she believes the university needs to upgrade its security.
"It's easily accessible for people to jump gates. It 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."
"The DSU Police Department and staff will continue to take all necessary actions to ensure the health and well-being of our campus community," Delaware State University said in a statement posted on the Dover PD's website. "Counseling services are available in the Tubman Laws Hall housing office. The campus is closed today, events have been canceled, and police patrols have been increased. No visitation will be permitted today."
The university also announced all classes will be canceled on Monday, according to DSU officials.
In a statement posted on Instagram, the Delaware State University Student Government Association called the shooting "tragic" and urged the rest of the campus community to stay safe.
"During this challenging period, we, as the Student Government Association, stand in solidarity to provide support to one another. Let's join hands to offer solace, resilience, and unity to those impacted by this unfortunate event," the statement read.
If you have any information, please reach out to the Dover Police Department at (302) 736-7130 or share tips through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333 or online at delaware.crimestoppersweb.com. You can also contact DSUPD at (302) 857-791.
