A student from Fort Collins attending Wesleyan University in Middletown, Conn. was shot and killed this afternoon inside a book store near the campus.
Johanna Justin-Jinich, 22, was a junior at the university. Police said she was shot several times while working a shift in the Red and Black Cafe.
Tonight, police identified the suspect as 29-year-old Stephen Morgan. It was unclear where he lives, and a Wesleyan spokesman said Morgan had no known connection to the university.
Authorities released a surveillance photo taken inside the bookstore of a thin, bearded man they believe is Morgan, and they described him as armed and dangerous.
Police Lt. Margaret Liseo said evidence uncovered at the scene “heightened our level of concern,” but she wouldn’t say what the evidence was.
“We just want to get the message out there to be extra vigilant,” she said. “This individual is armed and dangerous, and we want to be sure public safety is our top priority.”
The university cancelled all campus events scheduled for the day, and urged all teachers and students to stay inside. Later, officials said there was no reason to believe the gunman was on campus.
Justin-Jinich’s family declined to comment at this time.
Police would not confirm newspaper and TV reports that he is Justin-Jinich’s ex-boyfriend.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
George Plaven: 303-954-1638 or gplaven@denverpost.com
