Authorities have identified the woman who was shot and killed early Sunday morning at Delaware State University in Dover.
Camay Mitchell DeSilva, 18, of Wilmington, Delaware, was found in a residence hall early Sunday with a gunshot wound to her upper body, according to the Dover Police Department. She was taken to Bayhealth Hospital’s Kent Campus for treatment, where she later died of her injuries, police said.
She was not a registered student of the university and no other injuries were reported.
The campus remained closed Monday, and counseling services are being offered to the campus community, according to a message from Tony Allen, the university’s president.
Delaware State University Police received a call about shots fired shortly before 2 a.m. ET in the area of Warren-Franklin Hall, according to a news release from the Dover Police Department. According to the university’s website, Warren-Franklin is a main campus residence hall, housing more than 300 freshman co-ed students.
No suspect description is available at this time,” police said in the release. Both university police and Dover police are investigating the incident.
In a statement provided to HBCU Buzz, DSU President Allen stated that physical violence and the use of firearms are simply not welcomed on campus.
“As you know by now, early yesterday 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,” the statement read.
“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 said in a statement police patrols have been increased.
Authorities have asked anyone with information about the shooting to contact police or Delaware Crime Stoppers.
The university, founded in 1891 and located in Delaware’s capital, is one of approximately 107 Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the United States, according to the US Department of Labor.
“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.” President Allen said in the statement.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the DeSilva family and Delaware State University during this time.
