One person dead in early morning shooting at Worcester State University
WORCESTER, Mass. October 29 2023- An early morning shooting on the campus of Worcester State University has left one person dead and another hospitalized, according to officials.
Police say one person is dead and another hospitalized following an early-morning shooting at Worcester State University
Homecoming weekend activities have been canceled.
The incident unfolded around 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, when University Police Chief Jason Kapurch said officers arrived at an on-campus parking lot and learned two people had been shot.
“I want to let everybody know that right now, we believe the campus is safe,” Kapurch said at a press conference late Saturday morning. “And it’s unfortunate. Today was a homecoming day for our community, and that had to be canceled.”
Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early said although the shooting took place on campus, it did not involve Worcester State students.
“This does not appear to be a random incident,” Early said. “The parties that were involved knew each other from what we can ascertain at this point.”
As of Saturday afternoon, one person had been placed under arrest close to the scene and charged with trespassing and possession of a firearm.
When asked if those charges could soon be upgraded, Early said investigators will go where the facts take them. He’s asking for the public to submit any evidence they may have.
“I can’t stress how important it is that the public gives us assistance on this,” Early said. “This really helps us with our investigations, and has helped with many investigations in the past. No matter how small a piece of information you have, we’re asking that you forward it to us.”
Anyone with information on the shooting can contact Massachusetts State Police at 508-829-8326 or Worcester State University Police at 508-929-8911. They said they’ve already collected a substantial amount of videos.
Worcester State Provost and Vice President Lois Wims said counseling is available in Sheehan Hall, and 24/7 telehealth mental health support is available as well.
“Families or friends coming to campus to pick up any affected students can do so at the Wellness Center,” Wims said. “I want to thank our police for their quick action, our counseling and residence life services, and our staff.”
Early said it is unfortunate this happened during homecoming weekend and parents’ weekend, adding that many families had been on their way to campus, and had to be told not to come.
After the shelter-in-place was lifted Saturday morning, some students shared how they’re feeling.
“My whole family is calling me like ‘Are you OK, are you OK?” said Alyssa Felix. “And I’m like, ‘I’m fine, but homecoming weekend is canceled.”
“A lot of people are going home, we’re going home, because there’s nothing to do now,” said Janneli Soto.
