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

Accident – death – Obituary News : LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – The tragic shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas has claimed the life of a third victim, identified as 69-year-old Naoko Takemaru, according to the Clark County coroner’s office. The cause of death for Takemaru has been determined to be “multiple gunshot wounds,” as stated by the coroner’s office.

Takemaru, a respected faculty member at UNLV, held the position of Associate Professor of Japanese Studies. She was not only known for her academic prowess but also for her written work. Takemaru authored a significant book entitled “Women in the Language and Society of Japan: The Linguistic Roots of Bias” and contributed articles to prestigious journals within her field.

In addition to Takemaru, the two other professors who tragically lost their lives in the shooting have been identified as Professor Cha Jan “Jerry” Chang, aged 64, from Henderson, Nevada, and Assistant Professor Patricia Navarro Velez, aged 39, from Las Vegas.

The incident has left the academic community in shock and mourning the loss of these esteemed individuals. To honor their memory, UNLV has shared photos of Navarro Velez, Takemaru, and Chang, displaying their smiling faces, representing the joy and passion they brought to their work and the lives they touched.

A visiting professor, aged 38, who was also injured in the shooting, is currently hospitalized but reported to be in stable condition, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the tragedy.

Investigations into the motive behind the shooting are ongoing. The alleged gunman has been identified as Anthony Polito, a former professor who had repeatedly applied for positions at Nevada universities but was consistently turned down, according to the Clark County Sheriff’s Office. Polito, aged 67, engaged in a fatal shootout with law enforcement officers.

Sheriff Kevin McMahill from the Las Vegas Metro Police Department revealed that investigators are diligently working to determine the underlying reasons that led to this horrific incident. During a search of Polito’s apartment, detectives discovered evidence suggesting financial troubles, including an eviction notice affixed to his door.

McMahill further disclosed that Polito entered the UNLV campus with a list of specific individuals he sought to confront, although none of these intended targets were among the victims on Wednesday.

The UNLV community and the wider Las Vegas area continue to grapple with the shock and sorrow caused by this senseless act of violence. The loss of these three dedicated educators and the impact of this incident will undoubtedly be felt for a long time to come.

As investigations continue, the focus remains on understanding the motives behind this tragedy and implementing measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The UNLV campus and its surrounding community are united in their commitment to healing, resilience, and supporting one another during this difficult time..