“UNLV campus shooting victim ID” : 69-Year-Old Naoko Takemaru Identified as Third Victim in UNLV Shooting

Accident – death – Obituary News : LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – The third victim in the tragic shooting that occurred on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) on Wednesday has been identified as 69-year-old Naoko Takemaru, according to the Clark County coroner’s office. Takemaru, a faculty member at UNLV, was an Associate Professor of Japanese Studies and a highly respected academic in her field.

The coroner’s office determined that Takemaru’s cause of death was “multiple gunshot wounds,” highlighting the devastating impact of the shooting. Her loss has left a significant void in the UNLV community and the field of Japanese Studies.

In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Takemaru was also an accomplished author, having written a book titled “Women in the Language and Society of Japan: The Linguistic Roots of Bias.” Her research and articles published in various journals contributed significantly to the understanding of gender dynamics in Japan and beyond.

The shooting, which claimed the lives of two other professors, has sent shockwaves through the UNLV community and the wider academic world. The other victims were identified as Professor Cha Jan “Jerry” Chang, 64, of Henderson, Nevada, and Assistant Professor Patricia Navarro Velez, 39, of Las Vegas. Each of these individuals had made invaluable contributions to their respective fields and were highly regarded by their colleagues and students.

The tragedy unfolded when Anthony Polito, a former professor who had been denied job opportunities at Nevada universities, opened fire on the UNLV campus. Polito was later killed in a shootout with law enforcement. The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation, with Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metro Police Department noting that detectives found evidence of financial troubles and an eviction notice at Polito’s apartment.

Authorities have also revealed that Polito entered the UNLV campus with a list of individuals he was targeting. However, none of the victims from Wednesday’s shooting were on that list, raising further questions about the motive behind the attack.

In the aftermath of the shooting, the UNLV community has come together to mourn the loss of their colleagues and support one another during this difficult time. Vigils and memorial services have been organized to honor the lives of Takemaru, Chang, and Velez, as well as to provide a space for healing and reflection.

The tragic events at UNLV have once again raised concerns about gun violence and campus safety. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for continued efforts to address these issues and ensure the well-being of students, faculty, and staff on college campuses across the country.

As the investigation into the motive behind the shooting continues, the UNLV community remains resilient, determined to honor the memories of the victims and work towards creating a safer and more inclusive educational environment..