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Motive unknown in Wyoming double-murder/suicide

Posted: Dec 1, 2012 8:57 AM by Angela Douglas - Q2 News

CASPER, WY - Tragic news out of Casper, Wyoming where a man fatally injured one person, then entered a college classroom to kill another person, and ultimately killed himself.

The attack occurred just before 9 a.m. Friday at Casper College.

Police found two males, the suspect and a faculty member, dead at a science building on the community college campus and another, a female, at a different location about two miles away.

Police Chief Chris Walsh said it appears there was a relationship between the suspect and those killed.

According to police, a firearm was not used in the crimes, but a sharp edged weapon was used.

Witnesses say a bow and arrow was used in the homicide, but that has not been confirmed by authorities.

"It's a troubling day," said Casper Police Chief Chris Walsh during a Friday press conference. "This is a day you hope never comes into your community. We have practiced for these types of drills, but no one is ever actually ready for this to hit home."

According to police, the suspect was not a current student and the incident does not appear to be school motivated.

Class was in session and the campus was locked down after the attack and the science building was evacuated, but the lock-down was lifted a couple hours after the incident.

During a gathering of about 150 faculty, staff, and students Friday afternoon, Casper College President Dr. Walter Nolte said, "I have been a higher education administrator for about 40 years, and today has been, by far, the worst day of my career."

The names of the victims have not been released.

The motive for the double-murder/suicide remains unclear.