Camay DeSilva: Cops hunt for 18-year-old gunman as slain Delaware State student ID’d as transfer student

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

DOVER, DELAWARE: The tragic shooting incident at Delaware State University's campus on Sunday, April 21, has sent shockwaves through the community, with authorities now engaged in a desperate search for the assailant.

Camay Mitchell DeSilva, 18, a visitor from Wilmington, fell victim to the violence, leaving the university community reeling.

Classes were canceled as the university rallied support for grieving students and staff members. The tragedy has left the campus atmosphere somber, with senior Ashley Spence describing it as "completely a ghost town."

“It really could’ve been any one of us on campus,” sophomore Shaniya Durant said. “I hope that they’re sitting in there really discussing how to move forward because this was absolutely unnecessary tragedy," CBS Philadelphia reports.

Who was Camay Mitchell DeSilva?

Reports indicate that DeSilva, who was considering transferring to Delaware State University, was struck by gunfire near a freshman dormitory in the early hours of Sunday morning. Despite efforts to save her, she succumbed to her injuries, according to Dover police.

Authorities stated that DeSilva was visiting the historically black college from Wilmington when she was tragically killed in the early-morning shooting. The teen's aspirations of joining Delaware State University were revealed by officials, who mentioned she was hoping to transfer to Delaware State, the News Journal reported.

Delaware State University releases statement after Camay Mitchell DeSilva's death

While law enforcement agencies are actively investigating several individuals, no arrests have been made yet. "I am hopeful that the suspects will be apprehended as soon as possible and brought to justice," said school president Tony Allen during a forum.

“And most importantly, most importantly, I am praying for the DeSilva family in a tragic event that we wouldn’t want to happen to any of us.” As investigations continue, questions about the motive behind the shooting remain unanswered.

Delaware State University students call out 'easy accessibility' to school 

Authorities highlighted the accessibility of campus areas, indicating the need for heightened security measures President Allen stated that although ID access is required for entry into dormitories and campus gates during nighttime hours, both the main campus and the downtown area are easily accessible to the community for walking.

Students like sophomore Jaiden Palmer stressed the importance of improving security protocols. "It’s easily accessible for people to jump gates," Palmer pointed out. "It’s easily accessible for you to say you’re somebody you’re not and it’s easy for you to get in."