Two dead and four others injured in shooting at UNC Charlotte
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
[Correction: in Friday’s newsletter we said UNC Charlotte commencement was this weekend, we screwed up, it’s next weekend. Here’s a link to commencement information and other updates and FAQs.]
A lone gunman armed with a pistol opened fire on campus at UNC Charlotte yesterday evening, killing two and leaving four others wounded on the last day of classes.
The incident took place inside the Kennedy Building around 5:40 p.m.
According to UNC Charlotte police chief Jeff Baker, officers responded immediately and were able to disarm the suspect and take him into custody. He was identified as a 22-year-old student at the university.
UPDATE 1 p.m. 5/1/19: Per CMPD, 22-year-old Trystan Andrew Terrell was charged with 2 counts of murder, 4 counts of attempted murder, 4 counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, possession of firearm on educational property and discharging firearm on educational property.
/2024/01/05/1704492587992.png)
Alerts went out shortly before 6 p.m. instructing students, faculty and staff to “run, hide, fight.”
The campus was placed on lockdown for hours while police cleared and secured all buildings. Baker said they are able to secure the entire campus essentially with the push of a button that deploys all systems urging the community to shelter in place.
“We’ve trained for this type of incident,” he said. “Our officers’ actions definitely saved lives.”
Baker confirmed two fatalities, three victims in critical condition and one victim with non-life-threatening injuries.
As of midnight, names of the deceased had not been released.
Alpha Tau Omega fraternity confirmed that brother Drew Pescaro was among those shot and in stable condition following surgery. He is a sports writer for university paper Niner Times.
UPDATED 10:45 a.m. 5/1/19 – UNC Charlotte Chancellor Dr. Phillip Dubois released the names of the six shooting victims.
- Ellis Reed Parlier, 19 – killed
- Riley Howell, 21 – killed
- Drew Pescaro, 19 – injured
- Rami Alramatin, 20 – injured
- Sean DeHart, 20 – injured
- Emily Houpt, 23 – injured
UNC Charlotte finals have been canceled through Sunday and a candlelight vigil is planned for Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. at the Star Quad.
The campus is currently in Condition 2 suspended operations through 11:59 p.m. May 1.
In a statement to students, staff and faculty, chancellor Phillip Dubois called it “the saddest day in UNC Charlotte’s history.”
This is a developing story and ongoing investigation. CMPD is the lead investigative agency. FBI Charlotte is assisting.