Letter from Gallaudet University President I. King Jordan To the Campus Community
Last night, Chief of Police Charles Ramsey came to campus and met with students and others in Elstad Auditorium about 10 p.m. to announce an arrest for the murders of Eric Plunkett and Benjamin Varner. He reported that Joseph Mesa, a Gallaudet University freshman from Guam, had been arrested at about 9:30 p.m. last night and charged with the crime. He and the police also reported that Tom Minch has been cleared of any charges in the case.
After informing the campus community, Chief Ramsey and his fellow officers met with the news media at a press conference on the parking lot of College Hall. In my remarks to the people gathered in Elstad and to the news media, I said we are happy to have some resolution in these cases. Still we are deeply saddened that a member of our community is charged with these crimes.
This morning all of us came to campus with some sense of relief. Still, we are in shock in the wake of these horrible tragedies. The Mental Health Center and the Office of Campus Ministries are working hard to counsel students and others who are trying to cope. Dr. Fernandes and I will continue to visit each dorm and stop by other buildings on campus; we will be talking to students, faculty and staff, seeking to console them, and ourselves, as we try to find the strength to handle this new stage of the trauma.
I wish to thank all of you who have been so supportive to the University. I especially want to thank the many faculty, staff and students who have volunteered so much of their time to bring solace and support. I also wish to express a special note of appreciation to Chief of Police Ramsey and his officers who worked so hard to bring these cases to resolution. I ask that faculty members be especially understanding of how difficult it is for many students to focus on their studies and concentrate in the classroom. They are shocked by the events of the last few days. Please support them, be flexible in your demands and expectations of them, and look for signs of trouble. When you see a student who needs help, please guide that person to someone who can provide support and assistance.
Gallaudet University, despite the tragedies of the last few months, is a community of good and courageous people. We must come together and continue to support and look out for each other. This is an extraordinary time and it demands extraordinary effort.
Thank you so much for your support.
Sincerely,
I. King Jordan
