Yesterday afternoon, a terrible act of violence in one of our residence halls led to the death of a Sacramento State student. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends.
The investigation began immediately after the incident was contained, and it will continue until we have all of the facts necessary to prosecute the individual responsible for this horrific tragedy.
What we know now is that University police responded to a report of an altercation around 2:23 p.m. in a suite in the American River Courtyard. The officers attempted to subdue a suspect with a knife by firing pepper balls, which are filled with a substance designed to stop attacks.
Sadly, the suspect continued to come at the officers with a knife, and they were forced to fire their weapons. The suspect, who also was a student, is hospitalized in stable condition under police custody.
The victim of the attack was taken to a hospital after the incident and later passed away.
Although this was an isolated incident that was contained by University police, the tragic death of a student affects us all.
Crisis counselors were available in the residence hall throughout the night. Any students needing a counselor can call (916) 278-6416 or go to the Student Health Center. Faculty and staff can obtain counseling services by calling the Employee Assistance Program at (916) 278-5018.
The criminal investigation is being handled by the Sacramento Police Department, and we are cooperating fully and assisting in every way we can.
We have also created a web page to post the latest information as it becomes available at www.csus.edu/pa/campussafety. Additionally, a hotline at (916) 614-3277 will be updated with recorded information for parents and students.
Our thanks go out to everyone who has assisted us in the wake of this tragedy.
Sincerely,
Alexander Gonzalez, President
Dan Davis, University Police Chief
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