A University of Arizona sophomore, Erin Jones, aged 20, was fatally shot early Sunday morning, April 28, at a house party off-campus in Tucson, according to Tucson Police Department reports.
The incident, which occurred around 1:40 a.m. at a residence in the 3200 block of East 5th Street, also left three others injured.
Jones, a native of Newport Beach, California, was reportedly waiting for an Uber outside the house when she was shot. She later succumbed to her injuries at Banner University Medical Center. The three additional victims, a man, a woman, and a teenage girl, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were treated at the same hospital.
The shooting unfolded during what neighbors described as a large gathering, with some local residents comparing the chaotic aftermath to a “war zone.” Police have yet to make any arrests in connection with the incident, and the investigation is ongoing.
Authorities noted that many potential witnesses had left the scene before police arrived and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
“This is a devastating loss for Erin’s family and our community,” University of Arizona President Robert C. Robbins stated, extending condolences and emphasizing the university’s commitment to supporting the affected students and Jones’ family.
Jones was a well-known figure at her high school in California, having graduated from Corona Del Mar High School in 2022 where she played on the soccer team. “Erin was an integral part of our team, known for her kindness and spirited passion for soccer,” her former coach Bryan Middleton remarked.
The shooting has stirred considerable anxiety among local residents, especially as neighbors had reported noise complaints about the party before the gunfire broke out. Despite these complaints, police only arrived after the incident. Security footage from the area, capturing the frantic moments as partygoers ran for cover, has been obtained by the authorities.
As the Tucson community reels from this event, the motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and no suspects have been identified. The Tucson Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances leading up to the gunfire and is appealing to the public for any leads.
President Robbins of the University of Arizona has announced that the school will share further plans to honor Jones and address the community’s safety concerns. Meanwhile, the high school community in Newport Beach also mourns the loss, with Principal Jake Haley recalling Jones as a beloved student and athlete.
