The University of West Georgia is left in shock following a shooting that took place by one of the university professors.
The Carrollton Police Department says a University of West Georgia professor faces murder charges after he fatally shot an 18-year-old freshman student on Saturday morning.
Investigators said it all started in Leopoldo’s Pizza Napoletana in Adamson Square when the alleged murderer, Richard Sigman, got into an argument. Police say Sigman threatened to shoot another person, but security asked him to leave when they saw he had a gun.
Detectives said after security asked him to leave, he went to the parking deck and opened fire on the parked car. Anna Jones was the victim.
Police said they were called to Tanner Medical Center regarding a person suffering a gunshot wound.
Police confirmed that 47-year-old professor, Sigman, shot 18-year-old Jones at a parking deck near Adamson Square around 12:30 a.m.
Police say a University of West Georgia professor shot and killed a freshman student in a parking garage in Carrollton early this morning. 18-year-old Anna Jones’ friends are speaking out tonight at 11 on @FOX5Atlanta pic.twitter.com/gHvUg6YaCK
— Rob DiRienzo (@RobDiRienzo) July 31, 2022
The police said;
“The male notified security that Sigman threatened to shoot him. Security approached Sigman, saw he had a weapon, and told him to leave. Sigman then left walking toward the parking deck … The investigation then indicates Sigman walked into the parking deck and began shooting into a parked vehicle striking the victim.”
Cheyenne Sexton knew Jones for years; she said:
“It was shocking … My mother-in-law called me and immediately told me and I burst out in tears.”
“It’s just it’s so close to home, and they wouldn’t really expect that … She didn’t have anybody that hated her.”
“Pray for our tiny little Mount Zion community, and her family, and her friends.”
“It is with great sadness that we write to inform you of the passing of Anna Jones, a recent Class of 2022 graduate of MZHS … Anna loved this school and this community and she will be missed dearly by many.”
“UWG has terminated the employment of Richard Sigman and continues to work with the city of Carrollton Police Department, which leads this ongoing investigation.”
The University noted that counseling is being provided for the staff and students.
Per Fox5 Atlanta:
“The university says counseling and support services are available to all UWG students, faculty, and staff at westga.edu/wellness. The school says students can also call the UWG Counseling Center 24/7 by calling 678-839-6428 and selecting option 2.”