Gunman Kills Three Professors at University of Nevada, Las Vegas: Victims Identified as Cha Jan “Jerry” Chang, Patricia Navarro Velez, and Unnamed Professor

Accident – death – Obituary News : Gunman Who killed Three Professors at UNLV Identified as Financially Struggling Academic

In a shocking incident that has sent shockwaves through the academic community, a gunman opened fire at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), killing three professors and injuring another. Authorities have identified the assailant as Anthony James Polito, a 67-year-old financially struggling academic whose job applications had been rejected by multiple higher-education institutions in Nevada.

Law enforcement officials have revealed that Polito had a troubling history that included mailing nearly two dozen suspicious letters to faculty members at universities across the United States. He had also compiled a “target list” of individuals at both UNLV and a university in North Carolina, where he had previously worked. Although facing eviction from his home in the Las Vegas suburb of Henderson, there were no prior indications of his propensity for violence.

Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that Polito legally purchased a Taurus 9mm handgun in 2022, which he used in the shooting. The authorities believe that Polito acted alone in the attack, but the precise motive behind the rampage is yet to be determined. Officials, however, have indicated that students were not the primary targets in the shooting.

All four victims shot inside Beam Hall, the building that houses UNLV’s business school, were faculty members. Two of the deceased have been identified as Professor Cha Jan “Jerry” Chang, 64, and Assistant Professor Patricia Navarro Velez, 39. The identity of the third slain professor is being withheld until their family is notified. The surviving victim remains hospitalized, with his condition deteriorating.

Detectives investigating the case discovered that Polito had visited a post office shortly before the shooting and mailed 22 letters with no return address to university personnel across the country. Additionally, he had compiled a list of individuals he sought on the UNLV campus and faculty members from his former employer, East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. Law enforcement intercepted the letters before any were delivered, and one of them contained a suspicious white powdery substance.

Authorities are currently examining the contents of the letters, urging caution among anyone in the higher education community who may receive such envelopes. McMahill advised individuals to contact the authorities if they encounter any suspicious mail. Efforts are underway to notify the intended recipients of the letters, and authorities have already reached out to almost everyone on Polito’s target list to ensure their safety.

Further investigation has revealed that Polito was facing financial difficulties, as evidenced by an eviction notice found taped to the entrance of his apartment. Additionally, a document believed to be his will was discovered inside. McMahill disclosed that Polito had made numerous job applications to various higher-education institutions in Nevada.

During the search of Polito’s residence, law enforcement recovered ammunition similar to the 150 rounds he was carrying during the attack. As a result of this tragic incident, the UNLV campus will remain closed until Friday, and all classes have been canceled through December 10.

This horrifying event serves as a reminder of the need for increased security measures and support for struggling academics. The academic community mourns the loss of these esteemed professors and hopes for the swift recovery of the injured victim..