KENNESAW, Ga. — A Kennesaw State University (KSU) student was shot and killed on campus over the weekend.
KSU confirmed that 21-year-old Alasia Franklin was murdered in front of the Austin Residence Complex following a dispute, Yahoo reports. Around 4 p.m., the school’s Office of Emergency Management issued a shelter-in-place alert for an armed intruder.
The suspect, identified as Samuel Harris, fled the campus but was later detained by Cobb County Police. The school’s emergency management sent a follow-up alert at 4:43 p.m. indicating there was no longer a threat.
Franklin’s father said Harris, who is not a KSU student, was an ex-boyfriend who “didn’t want to let her go.” Her mother said they had known each other since middle school and broke up in December. Harris has been charged with murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.
A KSU spokesperson said the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is investigating the incident alongside KSU police.
This marks the second time this year that an alert has been sent out for an armed intruder. Back in January, students and staff were told to shelter in place for hours after reports of a person with a gun on campus. Police say three suspects robbed and carjacked an Uber driver at gunpoint and drove the vehicle onto campus.
Kennesaw State Classmates Memorialize Victim
KSU student Anthony Harrison said he ran out of his apartment to help when he heard the gunshots.
“I walk over and I see a body laying down and I get on the phone with police, you know that was my first instinct,” Harrison told Channel 2,
Harrison said he quickly realized he knew the victim as they both previously served on the school’s Student Government Association.
“She’s decorated. She was a founder of the IHS [Integrated Health Science] Club, one of the founders,” he continued. “On top of that, she was part of the NCNW [National Council of Negro Women] organization here on campus.”
Taliyah Sims, Franklin’s former roommate and friend, said she was set to graduate early in December and had plans to become a nurse practitioner.