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

Accident – Death – Obituary News : LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – The Clark County coroner’s office has identified the third victim of the tragic shooting at UNLV’s campus on Wednesday as 69-year-old Naoko Takemaru. According to the coroner’s office, Takemaru’s cause of death was determined to be “multiple gunshot wounds.”

Takemaru, a respected faculty member at UNLV, held the position of Associate Professor of Japanese Studies. She was known for her expertise in the field and had authored a book titled “Women in the Language and Society of Japan: The Linguistic Roots of Bias.” Additionally, Takemaru had contributed articles to various academic journals.

The devastating incident also claimed the lives of two other professors. Professor Cha Jan “Jerry” Chang, 64, from Henderson, Nevada, and Assistant Professor Patricia Navarro Velez, 39, from Las Vegas were identified as the other victims of the shooting.

The UNLV community remains in shock and mourning following this senseless act of violence. In a show of solidarity, a memorial service will be held on campus next week to honor the lives and contributions of all three professors.

As investigations continue, authorities have revealed that the shooter, identified as Anthony Polito, was a former professor who had applied for jobs at Nevada universities multiple times but was consistently rejected. Polito, 67, was killed in a shootout with detectives.

Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metro Police Department stated that investigators are still working to uncover the motive behind the shooting. A search of Polito’s apartment yielded evidence of financial troubles, including an eviction notice taped to his door.

Furthermore, authorities discovered that Polito had entered the UNLV campus with a list of individuals he intended to target. However, none of the victims from Wednesday’s tragic incident were on that list.

The UNLV community is now focused on healing and providing support to the injured and the families of those who lost their lives. The university has established counseling services and support networks to assist students, faculty, and staff during this difficult time.

In the wake of this tragedy, the UNLV community is calling for increased security measures and a renewed commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone on campus. The incident has sparked discussions about gun control and mental health support, prompting a wider conversation about how to prevent such acts of violence in the future.

This devastating event serves as a reminder that institutions of higher learning must remain vigilant in their efforts to protect students, faculty, and staff. The UNLV community will come together to remember the lives lost and to honor the legacies of these esteemed professors who dedicated their lives to education and research.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooter or the incident to come forward and assist in bringing closure to this tragedy..