SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A Sacramento State student died after being shot with a pellet gun off-campus, Sacramento State President Robert S. Nelsen said in a statement.
According to a press release from the Sacramento Police Department, officers arrived to the College Glen neighborhood around 3 a.m. Friday, April 12, where they found a man who had been shot with a pellet gun on Lycoming Court. The man, now identified as Sacramento State student William Molina, was taken to a nearby hospital where he later died from his injuries.
"It's an unofficial fraternity house," said neighbor, Linda Fea. "It's not a legal frat house, but it really is a frat house. They have lots of parties and gatherings and the letters come out so it is a frat house."
Fea told ABC10 she's heartbroken about what happened to Molina, but explained why she wasn't surprised to learn about Friday's incident.
"We had seen kids several times walking on the roof, jumping into the pool. It's only an 8-foot pool, and so when was it going to happen that somebody missed the pool," Fea said.
Still, Fea says she feels devastated for those involved in the shooting.
"We felt really sad. All the neighbors felt really bad because we don't want anything bad to happen to any of them," Fea added. "We've been really concerned about that house for a very long time."
Shortly after police announced the fatality, Sacramento State President Robert S. Nelsen shared a note on the university's Facebook page detailing the pellet gun incident. Police later confirmed that the student killed was, in fact, 21-year-old Molina.
"I am devastated to share the extremely sad news that one of our students, Will Molina, died after a pellet gun shooting at an off-campus gathering early this morning. Will was a business major with an emphasis in entrepreneurship. He graduated from Folsom High School, was an active member Pi Kappa Alpha, and was on track to graduate from Sacramento State this May.
I am heartbroken over the loss of this young man, and I know that the Hornet Family mourns with Will’s family. We will have grief counseling services available for everyone who needs support during this difficult time, and we will share information as it is available.
Our hearts go out to Will’s friends and family, and we are working with family on arrangements to honor his memory."
Sacramento Police say they aren't calling anyone a suspect. A spokesman for the department told ABC10 it's an isolated incident, and it will be up to the District Attorney's Office to determine if charges will be filed.
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