Family’s Devastation After Aramark Executive and Dining Services Worker Gunned Down at Florida State University

April 18, 2025 | Tallahassee, Florida

A tragic day at Florida State University (FSU) has left two families shattered and a campus forever changed. On April 16, 2025, Tiru Chabba, 42, a dedicated Aramark executive, was senselessly gunned down in an act of violence that has stunned the entire community. Chabba was on his way to work, kissed his family goodbye, and never returned home. Alongside him, Robert Morales, a hardworking dining services worker, also lost his life in the brutal attack. Six others were left injured, with the shooter being identified as an FSU student.

A Morning That Changed Everything

It began like any other day. Tiru Chabba, a 42-year-old father of two, left his home in Tallahassee, Florida, kissed his wife and children goodbye, and drove to his job as an executive for Aramark, a company responsible for dining services at FSU. What should have been another routine workday for Chabba—who had a reputation for dedication, compassion, and hard work—turned into an unimaginable tragedy.

Chabba, known for his community involvement and strong family values, was gunned down near the campus dining hall, leaving behind a family in anguish. Robert Morales, a long-time dining services worker at FSU, was also killed in the senseless shooting. The attack left six more individuals critically injured.

According to FSU Police, the gunman was a current FSU student whose identity has not been fully disclosed. Investigators are still piecing together the sequence of events leading up to the shooting, but sources confirm that the incident was unprovoked, and there was no known conflict between the shooter and any of the victims.

The Victims: Two Lives Lost

Tiru Chabba was not just a devoted father, husband, and Aramark executive; he was a man who loved his work and his community. Colleagues and friends have described him as a mentor who always went above and beyond to help others, both inside and outside the office.

“It’s hard to fathom that someone as dedicated to his family and career as Tiru could be taken away like this,” said Maya Patel, a colleague who worked closely with Chabba. “He was a great leader, a great friend, and a great father.”

Chabba’s family, including his wife Nina Chabba and their two young children, are now left to cope with a life without him. In a statement released by their attorney, Bakari Sellers, the family expressed their grief and disbelief.

“This was a senseless act of violence that could have been prevented. Tiru was a good man who was simply going to work to provide for his family. No one should have to go through this. It is heart-wrenching, and we are devastated,” Sellers said. “Justice must follow, and we will pursue every avenue to ensure that the responsible party faces the consequences of this crime.”

Alongside Chabba, Robert Morales, a dining services worker, was tragically killed. Morales was known for his hard work and dedication to serving students at FSU. He, too, leaves behind a family and a community that will never forget him.

“Robert was always smiling, always kind,” said Juan Martinez, a fellow dining hall employee. “He treated everyone with respect. It’s unimaginable to think that something like this could happen.”

The Shooter: A Student’s Violent Act

Authorities have identified the shooter as an FSU student, though his name has not yet been released. Investigators are working to understand what led to the shooting, but early reports suggest that the gunman had no direct relationship with the victims.

The details of what prompted the shooting remain unclear, but the fact that a student committed such an act of violence on a university campus has left the entire community in shock.

“This is a heartbreaking reminder of how something like this can happen anywhere, even in places where we feel safe,” said Dr. Josephine Thompson, a professor at FSU. “The violence we’re witnessing in our country is real, and it’s devastating to see it unfold in our own backyard.”

The shooter was apprehended by FSU police officers shortly after the incident. He is currently facing multiple charges, including two counts of murder and several charges related to the assault of the injured victims. As the investigation continues, the community remains anxious for answers about what drove a student to commit such a horrific act.

A Community Grieves

In the wake of the shooting, FSU students, faculty, and staff have gathered to mourn the loss of Tiru Chabba, Robert Morales, and the victims of the violence. On the evening of April 16, a candlelight vigil was held on campus, where students and faculty alike stood in silence to honor the lives lost and express solidarity with the families impacted.

At the vigil, candles flickered in the breeze as hundreds gathered in somber reflection. For many, the pain of the moment was palpable, as the reality of the tragedy began to sink in.

“My heart aches for the Chabba family,” said Jessica Harrison, an FSU senior. “Tiru was just going to work like anyone else. This shouldn’t happen to anyone. We stand with them in their grief, and we’ll support them however we can.”

For the Chabba family, the horror of the event only deepens with the realization that this loss will forever alter their lives. Easter Sunday, traditionally a time for family gatherings and joy, will be spent without Tiru. His children will hunt Easter eggs without their father. His wife will face the day without the love and support of her partner.

“We will never get Tiru back,” said Nina Chabba in a statement released by their attorney. “He was everything to us, and we are heartbroken. This is a nightmare that no one should have to live through. But we will continue to honor his memory, and we will not let this senseless violence define his legacy.”

A Preventable Tragedy

Bakari Sellers, the attorney representing the Chabba family, has called this tragedy “preventable,” urging both local authorities and the wider community to take action against senseless violence.

“We must do better,” Sellers said. “Tiru’s death was avoidable. We need to address the root causes of these violent acts, whether it be mental health, gun access, or social isolation. We must take a stand for the safety of our communities.”

Seeking Justice

The shooting at Florida State University is not only a senseless loss for two families but a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the prevalence of violence in American society.

As investigators continue their work and the justice system prepares to take action, the hope remains that Tiru Chabba and Robert Morales will not be forgotten. Their families, friends, and colleagues are left to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives, but they vow to keep fighting for justice and ensure that the victims’ legacies live on.

FSU students have planned another vigil next week, and discussions around campus safety, gun control, and mental health are likely to intensify in the wake of this tragedy.

For now, Tiru Chabba’s family holds onto the memories of a loving husband, father, and friend, while the broader FSU community mourns the loss of two lives, united in their grief and in their resolve for justice.