A manhunt is underway for an 18-year-old suspect in a shooting that killed one person and injured another at Worcester State University on Saturday, October 25, 2023.
The suspect has been identified as Kevin Rodriguez, who last lived in Lawrence, Massachusetts. He is wanted on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and armed assault with intent to murder. He is considered armed and dangerous, and anyone who sees him should immediately call 911.
The shooting occurred around 2:30 a.m. in a parking lot next to a student dormitory on the campus of Worcester State University. According to witnesses, a fight broke out among a group of people who were not students of the university. Two men, aged 19 and 21, were shot during the altercation. They were taken to a local hospital, where the 19-year-old died from his injuries. The 21-year-old is expected to survive.
The motive for the shooting is still unknown, but authorities believe that Rodriguez knew some of the victims or had some connection with them. Some of the victims were former co-workers or acquaintances of Rodriguez, who had worked at various places in Worcester, such as a recycling center, a pizza shop and a car dealership. Some of the victims were also veterans or reservists like Rodriguez.
Rodriguez fled the scene after the shooting and drove away in a white Subaru Outback. Police have been searching for him across several towns and counties, using helicopters, drones, dogs and boats. They have also warned the public to stay indoors and report any sightings of Rodriguez or his vehicle.
The shooting triggered a lockdown and a shelter-in-place order for the Worcester State University campus. All weekend activities, including homecoming and family weekend, were canceled. Counseling services are being offered to any students who need them.
The Worcester County District Attorney’s Office, the Worcester Police Department, the Worcester State University Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police and the Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to the Worcester County DA’s Office are investigating the shooting.
Anyone with information about Kevin Rodriguez should call the Massachusetts State Police detectives at (508) 453-7589 or the Massachusetts State Police Fugitive Apprehension Section at 1-800-KAPTURE (1 800-527-8873).
Worcester State University Shooting: Police Seek 18-Year-Old Suspect is an article that reports on a deadly shooting that took place on the campus of Worcester State University on Saturday, October 25, 2023. The article provides details about the suspect, Kevin Rodriguez, who is still on the run and considered armed and dangerous. The article also provides details about the victims, the motive, the investigation and the impact of the shooting on the university community. The article uses facts from various sources to create an informative and comprehensive report.