Two Women Shot Dead at Texas A&M University-Commerce Residence Hall
UPDATE: The shooter has been identified as 21-year-old Jacques Dshawn Smith; he is now in the custody of authorities. His victims were his ex-girlfriend Abbaney Matts (20) and her sister Deja Matts (19). The injured child is Deja's two-year-old son.
Two women are dead and a child is injured after a shooting inside a dormitory at Texas A&M University-Commerce on Monday.
The incident was reported at 10:17 a.m. local time at the Pride Rock residence hall, which houses freshmen. All classes were canceled for the rest of the day.
There have been 2 confirmed deaths. The third victim has been taken to the hospital for treatment. UPD has stationed officers throughout campus, including all key gathering points, for the safety of the campus community.
We will continue to share updates as they are available.
— #StayHealthyLions (@tamuc) February 3, 2020
“Our hearts go out to everyone in the community who has been impacted by this tragedy,” said Mark Rudin, president of Texas A&M University-Commerce. “The health and safety of our students is always our top priority.”
Here is the statement from Dr. Rudin and Chief Vaughn: #TAMUC
– The investigation is still active
– There are counseling service available in the Student Center
– Two adult females are found deceased
– The third victim, a two-year-old is in stable condition pic.twitter.com/dV5pFo1ctF— destynie | BLM ♡ (@hargitayisbae) February 3, 2020
Texas A&M’s campus in Commerce, Texas, is over 200 miles north of Texas A&M’s main campus in College Station.
The precautionary shelter in place recommendations have been lifted. Due to the ongoing investigation, Pride Rock and surrounding areas are still blocked off. The Rayburn Student Center is available for students that may be displaced by the ongoing investigation. (1/2)
— #StayHealthyLions (@tamuc) February 3, 2020
Classes have been canceled until Wednesday, February 5th, and will likely resume on Thursday, February 6th. The cancelation also applies to campus events/programs, remote locations, and online classes.