Tragedy Strikes Elizabeth City State University: One Dead, Six Injured in Overnight Shooting; Suspect Identified

ELIZABETH CITY, NC — A devastating act of violence rocked the campus of Elizabeth City State University overnight, leaving one student dead and six others injured, university officials and police confirmed Sunday morning. Authorities have identified Alvin Crespin as the suspected shooter, who is currently in custody.

The shooting unfolded shortly after 12:30 a.m. Sunday in a campus housing area, sending shockwaves through the close-knit university community and drawing an urgent response from local, state, and campus law enforcement.

Timeline of Events

According to the Elizabeth City State University Police Department, officers were dispatched to a residence hall after receiving multiple reports of shots fired. Upon arriving at the scene, they encountered chaos as students fled from the building. Inside, they found multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds.

One student, whose identity has not yet been released pending family notification, was pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving efforts by emergency responders.

Six other individuals were rushed to nearby medical facilities. As of Sunday morning, two students remain in critical condition, while four others are being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

The university immediately initiated a campus-wide lockdown, urging all students, staff, and faculty to shelter in place until authorities confirmed the suspect was no longer a threat.

Suspect in Custody

Within hours of the shooting, law enforcement officials announced that Alvin Crespin had been identified as the primary suspect. Crespin, believed to have a connection to at least one of the victims, was apprehended without incident several miles from campus during a joint operation involving the Elizabeth City Police Department, the Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.

Investigators have not yet released a possible motive for the attack, but sources close to the investigation suggest it may have stemmed from a personal dispute that escalated tragically.

“We want to assure the campus community that the individual responsible for this senseless violence has been captured and poses no ongoing threat,” said University Police Chief David Stokes during an early-morning press conference.

Campus in Mourning

Elizabeth City State University, a historically Black public university with deep ties to the region, is mourning the loss of one of its own. University President Dr. Karrie Dixon issued a statement expressing profound sorrow:

“Today is a heartbreaking day for our Viking family. We mourn the life lost and extend our thoughts and prayers to all the victims, their families, and every member of our community. We are providing counseling services and additional support for anyone who needs it during this incredibly difficult time.”

The university has canceled all classes and events for the next 48 hours. A memorial service is being organized for later this week to honor the student who lost their life.

Ongoing Investigation

Detectives continue to interview witnesses and review surveillance footage from around the campus to piece together the full sequence of events. Authorities are also investigating how Crespin obtained the firearm and whether any university policies or procedures could have been violated.

Additionally, officials are examining security protocols on campus housing facilities to determine whether any additional measures are needed to prevent future incidents.

Elizabeth City Mayor Kirk Rivers addressed the community Sunday morning, calling for unity and resilience.

“We stand with Elizabeth City State University and all the families affected by this tragedy. Violence has no place in our community, and we will work together to heal and to seek justice.”

Support Resources

The university’s counseling center is offering immediate support for students and staff impacted by the tragedy. Crisis counselors have been stationed at multiple locations across campus, and a 24-hour hotline has been established.

The university is also coordinating with local churches and community organizations to offer additional spaces for prayer, reflection, and support.

Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.