North Central College student from Naperville killed in mass shooting

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The teenager who was killed in a mass shooting Sunday near Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington has been identified as 19-year-old Giana Dettloff. 

Dettloff was a student at North Central College, and she also was a member of the school's cheerleading team. 

Shooting victim mourned

What they're saying:

North Central College President Abiódún Gòkè-Paríolá sent a message out to the campus community Sunday, identifying the victim who died in the mass shooting, which injured seven others, as Dettloff. 

"On behalf of the College, I offer my deepest condolences to her family, friends, teammates, and classmates. No words can ease the pain of her loss, but please know that we mourn with you and are here to support you. Our hearts are also with those injured in the shooting and their loved ones," said Gòkè-Paríolá in the college's statement. 

Gòkè-Paríolá also encouraged members of the campus community to turn to resources on campus for counseling and support. 

"As the circumstances of the shooting remain under investigation, please avoid speculation and respect the privacy of Giana’s family and those affected. Any information about opportunities to remember Giana will be shared in accordance with her family’s wishes," Gòkè-Paríolá said.

Bloomington party shooting

The backstory:

The shooting happened during a party at a residence in the 100 block of East Division Street just before 1:30 a.m. on Sunday. 

According to the Bloomington Police Department, officers were handling a call several blocks away when they heard gunshots. The first officers arrived within a minute and began giving lifesaving care to the most critically injured victims.

The shooting killed Dettloff, who was pronounced dead at the scene, and injured eight other students.

Police said the eight surviving victims range in age from 16 to 22 and are from communities across Illinois. They are affiliated with Illinois Wesleyan University, Illinois State University, other Illinois universities and high schools.

The victims and their injuries are as follows:

  • A 19-year-old man from Plano — gunshot wound to the arm
  • A 22-year-old man from Bloomington — gunshot wounds to the arm and abdomen
  • An 18-year-old woman from Carol Stream — gunshot wound to the leg
  • A 19-year-old woman from Woodridge — gunshot wounds to the arm, chest and abdomen
  • A 16-year-old girl from Bloomington — gunshot wound to the arm
  • A 19-year-old woman from Grant Park — gunshot wound to the ankle
  • An 18-year-old woman from Carol Stream — gunshot wound to the leg
  • A 19-year-old woman from Hoffman Estates — gunshot wound to the ankle

Police said Sunday that a woman who had been listed in critical condition is showing signs of improvement.

What we don't know:

Police have not announced any arrests. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation by Bloomington police and the McLean County Coroner’s Office.

What you can do:

Illinois Wesleyan University is offering support to students affected by the shooting through its Counseling and Consultation Services. Illinois State University students can contact Student Counseling Services at 309-438-3655 or use TimelyCare.

Community members can submit digital evidence through the Bloomington Police Department’s community portal.

Anyone with information can contact Bloomington police Det. Pedro Diaz at 309-434-2532 or Pdiaz@CityBlm.org.

The Source: Information in this article comes from a statement by North Central College, the Bloomington Police Department, and prior FOX 32 reporting. This story was written from Eden Prairie, Minnesota.  

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