Lauren McCluskey, a 21-year-old senior at the University of Utah was shot and killed on-campus Monday night. The school has canceled classes, though the campus will remain open, and has offered counseling services to all students, staff and faculty.
We are absolutely devastated about the loss of one of our own. Lauren McCluskey, we will miss you more than anyone could ever imagine. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family through this difficult time. #utefamily pic.twitter.com/Ts6KSB2kUM
— Utah T&F/XC (@Utah_trackfield) October 23, 2018
At around 8:20 p.m. on Monday, University Police responded to a report of a possible abduction, called in by the victim’s mother. Following reports of gunshots, they discovered McCluskey’s body in a car parked outside the south tower of the Medical Plaza.
The suspected gunman fled into Trinity African Methodist Episcopal Church where he shot himself in the pastor’s study, according to The Salt Lake Tribune. According to police, Melvin S. Rowland, 37, not a student at the university, had been in a “prior relationship” with McCluskey and after a dispute, he shot and killed her.
University officials issued an all clear at 1:47 a.m.
According to Jill McCluskey, Lauren’s mother, “Lauren [had] previously dated her killer for about one month. He lied to her about his name, his age, and his criminal history.” When she found out the truth, she broke off the relationship.
Rowland had previously been convicted of attempted forcible sex abuse and enticing a minor over the internet in 2004 – he was released from prison in 2013.
JUST IN: Jill McCluskey, mother of murdered @UUtah student-athlete Lauren McCluskey just sent us this statement about her daughter’s death and the history with her suspected killer 37-year-old Melvin Rowland. #ksltv pic.twitter.com/L6Lk0ROO5L
— Shara Park (@KSLSharaPark) October 23, 2018
A vigil for McCluskey organized by the Associated Students and the athletic department will be held on Wednesday at 5 p.m. on the steps of the Park Building on campus.