A suspect is in custody tonight after a stabbing at Fort Valley State University left one student dead and a police officer injured.
FVSU officials identified Donnell M. Phelps, a freshman from Marshallville, Ga., as the student killed during the incident near the front entrance to the university. The unidentified assailant also reportedly stabbed Officer Ernest Johnson during the afternoon attack.
According to campus officials, the suspect was taken into custody on campus shortly after the incident. FVSU President Paul Jones expressed sadness and grief on behalf of students.
“I am deeply saddened by the senseless violence that has led to the tragic death of one of our students,” said Jones. “My heart and the hearts of the entire Fort Valley State University community go out to the Phelps family. We likewise are concerned for the families of all other persons involved in this terrible event. We will do what families do in times of loss, we will gather together to support each other through this extremely difficult time. We will focus on ensuring that our students and our campus community have the support they need. Please keep our entire campus in your thoughts and prayers.”
Grief counselors are on campus to offer service to students. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation with help from FVSU police.