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Police Release ID's of Victims Shot Near USC in Possible Carjacking, School Tries to Keep Student Body Calm
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Authorities have released the identities of two victims of a shooting that took place early Wednesday morning in a vehicle near the USC campus. A woman, Ying Wu, and a man, Ming Qu, were found shot to death at the scene of what may have been a botched carjacking. Both victims, in their 20s, are graduate engineering students from China.After news of the killing reached the school, USC officials reached out to students to keep them calm, but emphasize vigilance when it comes to safety on and around campus.
In a letter sent to USC email addresses, Vice President of Student Affairs Michael L. Jackson and Senior Vice President of Administration Todd Dickey said campus security is a priority, reports City News Service.
"This incident occurred outside the neighborhood areas where over the past several years we have steadily increased our security presence, adding dozens of security and license plate recognition cameras, uniformed officers and yellow-jacketed security ambassadors,'' the letter says.
The incident, which Los Angeles Police Department detectives are actively investigating, was possible a carjacking, though other scenarios are being considered.
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Wu was found slumped over at the wheel of a new BMW, and Qu on the steps of a home nearby, suggesting he had exited the vehicle before collapsing. The LAPD says the victims were shot while the car was double-parked, but the motive for the crime is unclear.
A possible suspect was spotted leaving the scene, however no description has been made available.
"Our community is saddened and outraged by this callous and meaningless act. Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims' families and friends and all who knew them at USC,'' the letter to USC students reads. "The Los Angeles Police Department and our Department of Public Safety are working aggressively to solve this crime.''
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