Suspected Gunman In Murder-Suicide Near College Park Campus Suffered From Mental Illness
COLLEGE PARK, Md. (WJZ) -- A University of Maryland student's murder-suicide stunned the College Park campus. The shooter and one of his roommates are dead; the other roommate was wounded.
Meghan McCorkell attended a memorial held on campus.
The university community is still in shock with two students dead and another in the hospital.
Police say Dayvon Green, 23, shot both of his roommates before turning the gun on himself. It all started inside an off-campus house around 1 a.m. Tuesday. Investigators say Green lit several fires in the backyard and the basement. When his roommates went to put them out, Green pulled out a 9-mm handgun and fired, killing 22-year-old Stephen Rane, an undergrad. Another roommate was shot but managed to run away and survive.
"It's definitely a shock. It's definitely kind of unsettling to be that close to home," said neighbor Patti Schult.
Green then shot himself in the backyard.
Police say a bag with a fully loaded semi-automatic weapon, ammunition, a machete and a baseball bat were all found near Green's body.
Detectives say he suffered from a mental illness.
"This suspect had had this condition for at least a year and in the past, he had been prescribed a medication for this mental illness," said Julie Parker, Prince George's County Police.
Tuesday night, the university came together to hold a memorial to remember those who died.
"Tonight we're focused on mourning and remembering the people we lost," said University of Maryland President Dr. Wallace Loh.
Many students were shaken that this violence has struck their campus.
"I've seen numerous crime reports being here for four years, but nothing like this," said student Andrew Bresee.
"Just the fact that they're students here brings us all together," said student Andy Xin.
Photo Gallery: 2 Students Dead After Murder-Suicide Near University Of Maryland, College Park Campus
Green--who is from Rosedale--was an undergraduate at Morgan State University before continuing his education at College Park. He was, by many accounts, a student with a brilliant mind.
Remnants of a fire can be seen in the backyard: a melted plastic table and charcoal on the ground. It's all part of the crime scene.
Web Extra: Video Of The Crime Scene
One of the bullets went straight through a neighbor's window.
"I know. She said God was on her side. If she had been right there, she would be gone," said Esmine Harvey, neighbor.
"The surviving victim was able to run away from the home and call a neighbor for help," Parker explained. "Detectives have been able to speak with him at some point, and they will continue to do so once he's in condition to do that."
Police would not describe Green's mental illness but say symptoms started a year ago.
University of Maryland President Wallace Loh couldn't say whether the school received a warning about Green. But Loh did say the school increased mental health services for those who need help.
"This is, of course, an issue that is currently being debated nationwide. But for today, I would like to focus on our mourning and our thoughts for the victims. Tomorrow may be the day to talk about broader issues of public policy," Loh said.
Related Link: University of Maryland President Wallace Loh Issues A Statement
Police tell us they responded to the house twice in the past: once for a burglary and another time for a prank call.
Neighbors tell WJZ that about a year ago, there was a shooting a few streets over that turned out to be a drug case.
University police are assisting Prince George's County police in the investigation.
Although a celebration of the Lunar New Year was scheduled for Wednesday at the president's residence, Loh says it has been canceled because the community is in mourning.
Stay with WJZ and CBSBaltimore.com for the latest information.
