18-Year-Old Potential Transfer Student Fatally Shot at Delaware State University

Camay Mitchell De Silva, an 18-year-old potential transfer student at Delaware State University, was fatally shot on the university's campus early Sunday morning. De Silva had recently graduated from Concord High School and was hoping to study computer science at DSU and pursue a career in cybersecurity.

The shooting occurred around 1:40 a.m. near Warren-Franklin Hall, a freshman dormitory. Campus police received a call about shots fired and found De Silva with a gunshot wound to her upper body. She was transported to a nearby hospital, where she tragically died from her injuries.

De Silva's family released a statement expressing deep sorrow and describing her as a "beautiful and intelligent young lady" with a 3.0 GPA. They said she was a "ray of sunshine" and had planned to attend DSU to pursue her dreams.

The family is requesting time to grieve and plan De Silva's celebration of life, and they are praying for the DSU community, law enforcement, and even the perpetrator(s) of the "senseless act of gun violence."

The Dover Police Department is actively investigating the shooting and is urging anyone with information to come forward, with a possible cash reward for information leading to an arrest. The suspect or suspects fled the scene in the direction of College Road.

Why this matters: The tragic shooting of an innocent young woman with a promising future has shaken the Delaware State University community and highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence on college campuses. It raises questions about campus safety measures and the accessibility of university grounds to non-students.

In response to the shooting, the university has closed the campus, canceled events, and increased police patrols. Counseling services are being offered to the campus community as they grapple with this tragedy. DSU President Tony Allen expressed hope that the suspects will be apprehended and brought to justice, saying, "We will leave no stone unturned to identify who committed this heinous act against our cherished student and ensure they face the consequences." The university is praying for the De Silva family during this difficult time.

Key Takeaways

• Camay Mitchell De Silva, 18, fatally shot on DSU campus
• Shooting occurred near freshman dorm, police investigating
• De Silva had planned to study computer science at DSU
• University closed campus, increased patrols after shooting
• Suspects fled scene, police urge anyone with info to come forward