University of Utah Cancels Classes After Female Student Shot and Killed by Her Ex on Campus.
The University of Utah has cancelled classes today after an shooting on their campus last night. The university first sent out a warning to students at 9:56pm last night saying there had been a shooting on campus and to "secure in place" meaning, stay where you are.
The suspect was described initially as a "Black male, 37 years old, 6'3", 250 lbs, wearing a gray beanie, black pants, white shoes and a white hoodie. He was last seen on foot leaving NB from the medical towers." As the night waxed on, more information became available and a more sinister story unfolded.
The suspect, identified as 37-year-old Melvin Rowland, was the ex-boyfriend of the female victim,Lauren McCluskey, who was found in a car near a campus dormitory.
"Rowland, who was convicted of attempted forcible sex abuse and enticing a minor over the internet in 2004, was reportedly last seen heading away from the medical towers dormitories on foot.
He was released from prison in 2013, and recently listed his address as the Rio Grande area of Salt Lake City - only a few minutes drive from campus."
An official manhunt ensued for Rowland who was last seen on foot.
Via ABC News:
"They chased him to this location, where they found that he had forced entry into the church," University of Utah Police Services Lt. Brian Wahlin said. "After clearing the building, they found our suspect deceased in a room in the church, suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound."
McCluskey's family is undoubtably in shock at the sudden passing of their daughter and the entire university has come to a halt. At this time, no motive has been stated for the murder. We're sending prayers to everyone affected by this tragedy.
