DOVER, DE– Multiple police departments are investigating an early morning shooting on Delaware State University's campus that resulted in the death of a 18-year-old female.
DSU Police responded to the north end of Warren Franklin Residential Hall at 1:40 a.m. April 21st for reports of a shooting, according to an email sent to campus community members (later confirmed by Dover Police Department).
Upon arrival, officers reportedly found the victim, an 18-year-old female of Wilmington, unconscious and suffering a gunshot wound to her upper body. The victim was transported to Bayhealth Medical Center where she was pronounced dead, according to Dover Police Department.
On Monday, April 22nd, Police identified the victim as Camay Mitchell DeSilva, 18, of Wilmington. Dover PD say she was not a registered student of the university.
The shooting suspects were last seen running southbound toward College Road and are believed to have fled the area, according to DSU police.
Campus residents were asked to shelter in place at 3:29 a.m. via an emergency alert.
The university announced that classes will be canceled on Monday, April 22nd.
Dover Police Department and Delaware State University Police are investigating. Anyone with information on this deadly shooting is asked to contact DSU Police at (302) 857-7911.
Delaware State University President, Tony Allen, released a statement Sunday evening. That statement is below.
"To the University Community:
As you know by now, early this morning, a tragic incident occurred on campus during which one young woman was killed. The assailants fled, and University police and local law enforcement are investigating the crime.
First, let me say that whoever believes that settling disagreements of any kind should be met with physical violence—including the threat of and eventual use of firearms—is simply not welcomed here.
Delaware State University is an institution of significant historical and contemporary importance to our community and our country. It is not a place to harbor those who have no respect for these hallowed, sacred grounds.
Our job is to educate global citizens. Period. Full Stop.
Violence of any kind, particularly gun violence, happens too often on college campuses – large and small – throughout the country. It does not make it acceptable, and it will never be rationalized away, minimized, or normalized here. Let us make sure we are collectively resolute on this point.
Second, the young lady tragically killed was merely 18 years old. Although she was not one of our students, she was a daughter, a beloved family member, and a friend; and, senselessly, her life was cut short. We should pray for better days and pray for the safety and well-being of our campus as a whole.
At this University, we are family.
An event that affects the safety of one of us affects all of us. That means each of us is responsible for holding one another accountable, saying so when something does not seem, sound, or look right, and denying wrongdoing in all its forms, no matter the person or the circumstance.
In this instance, Resident Assistants acted with leadership and authority to diffuse a tense situation. Our University Police, in partnership with the Dover Police Department, are working nonstop to bring the suspects to justice. And we will need any student, staff, or faculty with information to tell us what they know immediately. I can assure students and families that the University is committed to securing our safe campus environment, but we all have to be in this together.
As you know, we canceled all campus events today and classes tomorrow, Monday, April 22. Instead, we are continuing an effort to provide mental health services across the campus community, including our external and virtual resources. The Office of Student Success will also reach out regarding any academic needs students may have as we near the final exam period. On Tuesday, April 23, we will hold a Forum for students, staff, faculty, and parents to share any updates and to remember a young person gone too soon.
Lastly, for this evening, please join me in prayer.
At Delaware State University, we will always strive to fulfill our greatest sense of purpose and calling despite the lowest forms of behavior that may be visited upon us. As a family, we are one. And that will never change.
Together,
Tony Allen, Ph.D. President"
This is a developing story. We will provide updates as more information becomes available.
