A student attending Wesleyan University, Johanna Justin-Jinich, was shot to death Wednesday in the cafe where she worked. The Red and Black cafe is located in a popular bookstore named Broad Street Books, not far from campus.
The cops have ID'd the alleged gunman as 29-year old Stephen Morgan. He has no known connection to the university and it is unclear where he lives.
Stephen Morgan
Morgan was captured on videotape walking through the store holding a handgun. According to police he was wearing a wig at the time of the attack.
He shot Ms Justin-Jinich several times at point-blank-range. She was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital.
Police retrieved seven shell casings at the scene. A gun and wig were also recovered, although the weapon hasn't been conclusively tied to the shooting as yet.
The shooter fled into the busy downtown area.
Police have issued a warning to the public to be extra-vigilant. They say they found evidence at the scene that has "heightened our level of concern", but wouldn't release further details.
MSNBC reports that Morgan may have met Johanna Justin-Jinich at New York university in 2006. There is also a report that the victim filed a complaint concerning Morgan with the New York Police Department on July 10, 2007, claiming that Morgan called her repeatedly and sent her insulting emails for at least a week. One email included the threat that she would have "a lot more problems down the road."
Police working on the case have released information that Morgan may have been targeting the Jewish community. A member of the university administration who spoke with the media said he believes Ms Justin-Jinich was Jewish. He speculated that the shooter's anger may have extended beyond the victim to the Jewish community at large.
MSNBC reports that Morgan may have met Johanna Justin-Jinich at New York university in 2006. There is also a report that the victim filed a complaint concerning Morgan with the New York Police Department on July 10, 2007, claiming that Morgan called her repeatedly and sent her insulting emails for at least a week. One email included the threat that she would have "a lot more problems down the road."
Police working on the case have released information that Morgan may have been targeting the Jewish community. A member of the university administration who spoke with the media said he believes Ms Justin-Jinich was Jewish. He speculated that the shooter's anger may have extended beyond the victim to the Jewish community at large.
Middleton police chief Lynn Baldoni said:
"Evidence uncovered overnight suggests that Mr. Morgan may be focused on the Wesleyan University campus as well as the Jewish community... Investigators have been in contact with Wesleyan University and leaders of the Jewish community, urging both to be extra vigilant."
A guy named Jim Howes was in the store when the shooting occurred. He said: "I was standing near a bookshelf when I heard what sounded like the pop of firecrackers so it was really odd. Moments later I heard screaming. A girl came rushing out saying, 'There is someone in the store with a gun.'''
According to people who knew Ms Justin-Jinich, she was an unlikely target for this type of attack. A junior at the university, David Burke, described her as "...overwhelmingly nice, very laid back, soft spoken.”
According to people who knew Ms Justin-Jinich, she was an unlikely target for this type of attack. A junior at the university, David Burke, described her as "...overwhelmingly nice, very laid back, soft spoken.”
Johanna Justin-Jinich
A sophomore named Michael Battle said: "I was really shocked, because she’s such an innocent girl that no one would have a vendetta against her.”
After the shooting several young women gathered at the police line, a number were distressed and crying. They said they were friends of the victim but declined to talk to reporters.
More details from local press source - Middletown Press.
After the shooting several young women gathered at the police line, a number were distressed and crying. They said they were friends of the victim but declined to talk to reporters.
More details from local press source - Middletown Press.
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