News Summary
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte commemorated the six-year anniversary of the tragic shooting that left two students dead. A wreath-laying ceremony was held to honor victims Reed Parlier and Riley Howell, attended by students, faculty, and family members. The event highlighted ongoing healing efforts, including an upcoming permanent memorial to reflect on the impact of the shooting on the university community. Survivors shared their experiences, emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness and campus safety.
Charlotte, NC – Wednesday marked the six-year anniversary of the tragic shooting at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte), which claimed the lives of two students and left several others injured. The incident, which occurred on April 30, 2019, has since left a profound impact on the university community.
During the wreath-laying ceremony at the Kennedy Building, where the shooting took place, attendees gathered in remembrance of the victims, Reed Parlier, 19, and Riley Howell, 21. The ceremony was attended by students, faculty, alumni, and family members, providing an opportunity for quiet reflection and personal tributes. Four additional individuals sustained injuries during the chaotic event.
Drew Pescaro, one of the survivors, shared the emotional toll the shooting continues to have on him. Pescaro was present in class when the tragedy unfolded, describing the terror that filled the classroom as students ran and screamed, trying to escape the violence. The perpetrator, Trystan Terrell, a former UNC Charlotte student, was quickly apprehended and subsequently pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder. Terrell is currently serving two life sentences in prison without the possibility of parole.
In the wake of the tragedy, UNC Charlotte has taken significant steps to enhance security across campus. Measures implemented include electronic card swipe locks installed in buildings and improvements to the university’s alert system to ensure rapid communication in emergencies. These changes aim to provide a more secure environment for students and faculty members.
As part of the annual Day of Remembrance, UNC Charlotte will dedicate a permanent memorial on April 28, 2023, to honor the lives lost and to acknowledge the physical and emotional trauma endured by those impacted by the shooting. The memorial, designed as a “constellation garden,” is intended to reflect the positions of the stars on the night of the tragedy, providing a calming and serene space for remembrance. Stone benches scattered throughout the memorial area will be etched with the names of both the deceased and the injured, ensuring their memories are preserved.
Pescaro shared that he has found healing through engaging in service work related to mental health. He hopes to raise awareness about the impacts of school shootings by sharing his own experiences and the stories of fellow survivors. His efforts, along with those of the university community, aim to foster a deeper understanding of the complex emotional aftermath that such events can cause.
The memorial and ongoing remembrance activities highlight the importance of solidarity within the community, demonstrating the university’s commitment to supporting the healing process for those affected. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the need for thoughtful discussions about campus safety and mental health resources in educational settings.
While the pain of such an event may linger, the dedication of the university to honor those who were lost and injured reflects a collective effort to ensure meaningful change arises from this heart-wrenching episode in UNC Charlotte’s history.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Parents Arrested Following Lockdown at Randolph Middle School
Shooting in South Charlotte Leaves One Dead and Two Injured
Shooting Incident in South Charlotte Leaves One Dead
Daylight Shooting in Southwest Charlotte Leaves One Dead
Shooting Incident in South Charlotte Leaves One Dead
Shooting Incidents in Charlotte Leave One Dead
Charlotte Fire Department Investigates Intentional House Fire in Dilworth
Charlotte Experiences Two Fatal Shootings in Less Than 24 Hours
Charlotte Pays Over $230,000 Following City Attorney’s Departure
Charlotte’s DopeBrunch: A New Daytime Social Phenomenon
Additional Resources
- WCNC: Six Years Since UNC Charlotte Shooting
- Wikipedia: University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- WBTV: Person Killed Near UNC Charlotte
- WCNC: UNC Charlotte Wreath-Laying Ceremony
- Google Search: UNC Charlotte shooting
