WMU athlete is 'person of interest' in fatal shooting near campus

By Madison Bennett | MLive

KALAMAZOO, MI - A Western Michigan University athlete is a person of interest in a fatal shooting near campus, the university said.

Police found a 20-year-old WMU student dead from a gunshot wound at an apartment on Howard Street next to campus at about 10:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8. Police said two suspects fled the scene.

WMU released this statement from Athletic Director Kathy Beauregard Friday afternoon:

"Earlier today, local law enforcement officials notified us of an incident near our campus that led to the death of a 20-year-old Western Michigan University student. I am deeply saddened by this tragedy.

"In conversation with law enforcement, Kalamazoo Public Safety indicated to us their desire to locate and talk with one of our current student-athletes in connection to this incident.

"The University and Division of Intercollegiate Athletics have and will continue to fully cooperate with law enforcement as they carry out their investigation.

"The student-athlete in question, referred to as a person of interest by law enforcement officials, has been immediately suspended by the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics.

"Neither the University, nor the Athletic Department, will have any further official statement as law enforcement continues its work."

The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety early Friday released the following descriptions of the two suspects: A black man with a slender build, about 5 feet, 10 inches tall, wearing jeans, a black hooded sweatshirt, wearing a red bandana covering his face and armed with a handgun; a black man with a slender build, about 6 feet, 4 inches tall, wearing jeans and a dark colored hooded sweatshirt, with a dark colored bandana covering his face.

This post originally appeared Dec. 9, 2016 on MLive.com.