COMMERCE, Texas — Texas A&M-Commerce is implementing increased security measures when classes resume on Thursday following a shooting at an off-campus homecoming party over the weekend.
RELATED: TIMELINE: Greenville party shooting
The shooting, which took place at The Party Venue in Greenville, left Kevin Berry, 23, of Dallas, and Byron Cravens Jr., 23, of Arlington, dead. Twelve others were injured. Approximately 750 people were in the building when the shooting occurred, according to the Hunt County Sheriff's Office.
On Wednesday, Dr. Mark Rudin, president of TAMUC, released the following statement on Wednesday outlining the new procedures the college will be taking to ensure students have peace of mind when returning to campus:
On behalf of A&M-Commerce, I send my deepest sympathy to our students affected by the events that happened this past weekend.
We understand that people process trauma differently and that healing takes time. As classes resume on Thursday October 31, 2019, we have taken the following steps to ensure your mental well-being and safety:
- Added extra patrol in residence halls, academic buildings and around campus
- Continually monitoring social media with follow-up on pertinent information
- University Police Department (UPD) is working closely with other law enforcement agencies
- University Police Department (UPD) is conducting focus groups to hear student and community concerns and respond appropriately
- Expanding hours and locations of counseling and mental health services
- Increased number and diversity of mental health professionals on campus
- Initiating a campus-wide campaign to expand participation in our Pride Alert Warning System (PAWS)
- Emergency communication protocol review
- Creating an online space for student input in regards to safety
We know that some of our students will need additional time to transition back into classes. We have instructed our faculty to be sensitive and flexible in response to differences in how individuals grieve and cope. Please work with your respective professors and instructors if you need additional time and assistance.
With warmest regards,
Mark Rudin
On Monday, the HCSO announced the arrest of Brandon Ray Gonzales, 23, for capital murder of multiple persons. He is being held in the Hunt County Jail on $1 million bond.
In an interview with CBS19's sister-station, WFAA, Gonzales admitted he was at the party Saturday, but denied he was the shooter. He said he went to the Halloween-themed party dressed as a security guard.
Gonzales claimed he was outside the venue in a car when the gunfire started and says he has witnesses who can corroborate his story. However, he wouldn't reveal their names to WFAA.
Hunt County Sheriff Randy Meeks says other than a minor traffic incident over the summer, Gonzales hasn't had any prior run-ins with Hunt County authorities.
While Sheriff Meeks says officials believe a 9mm semi-automatic handgun was used in the shooting, a weapon linked to the case still hasn't been found.
Shots were also fired Sunday night at a vigil for Berry that was held at St. Augustine Park in Dallas. Police reported the shots were fired just after 8 p.m. after an argument escalated into gunfire.
No one was injured but several vehicles were damaged.
