A suburban college cheerleader has been identified as the teen killed in a mass shooting that unfolded near the Illinois Wesleyan University campus over the Halloween weekend, which also left several other teens wounded.
Giana Dettloff, 19, was a North Central College student visiting one of her best friends when she was tragically killed, officials said in a press conference Monday, citing family members.
“Giana was a student and a cheerleader at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois,” McLean County Coroner Kathleen Yoder said. “During this incredibly difficult time, the Dettloff family has requested privacy as they navigate this heartbreaking tragedy. We kindly ask that everyone respect the family’s wishes and allow them time and space they need to grieve. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the Dettloff family and all those affected by this tragic loss.”
Detloff’s cause of death was ruled multiple gunshot wounds to the chest and pelvic region.
“There was no evidence of close-range firing and toxicology testing is pending for the final report,” Yoder said.
Originally from Carol Stream, Dettloff was her parents’ only daughter.
Bloomington Chief of Police Jamal Simington said family described her as “full of life, a sweet girl with a very bright future and an athlete.”
“I witnessed the heartbreak of her parents and other family members when they learned that their daughter had been murdered. I felt their pain,” Simington said.
In an alert to students and staff Monday, North Central College President Abiódún Gòkè-Paríolá confirmed Dettloff was “a member of our cheerleading team and our North Central family.”
“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,” he wrote. “As we grieve together, I encourage members of our campus community to utilize campus resources for counseling and support, including the Dyson Wellness Center and the campus chaplain, Rev. Max Blalock. 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.”
At least eight others, including several students from other Illinois universities and suburban Chicago teens, were injured in the mass shooting event. Authorities originally said seven people were hurt, but one teen was discovered to have been released from the hospital Sunday morning and was not included in the original count.
They include the following:
A 19-year-old (male) Illinois Wesleyan student from Plano, Illinois who suffered a right forearm wound and was in stable condition. An 18-year-old (female) student from Carol Stream, Illinois, who sustained a leg injury and improved from critical to stable condition. A 19-year-old (female) Illinois State University student who suffered a gunshot wound to the ankle and was in stable condition. A 19-year-old (female) Illinois State University student from Hoffman Estates who was treated and released the morning of the shooting. A 19-year-old (female) Quincy University student from Woodridge, Illinois, who suffered chest, arm and abdomen injuries. Her status recently improved from critical to stable. A 22-year-old (male) from Bloomington, Illinois, who is in stable condition. An 18-Year-old (female) from Glenbard North High School in Carol Stream who was last in stable condition. A 16-Year-old (female) Bloomington High School student who suffered a graze wound to an extremity, this individual was treated and released.Police said the shooting unfolded without warning early Sunday morning.
“Bloomington police officers, including myself, patrol that very area throughout the night. This party was noticeably peaceful, jovial, and there were no disturbances witnessed or reported prior to the shooting,” Simington said. “There was no indication or warning that a shooting would occur.”
The shooting occurred about 1:23 a.m. Sunday in the 100 block of East Division Street during a party at an off-campus home. According to police, officers were responding to a separate call blocks away when they heard shots fired.
No one was in custody as of Monday morning, however.
“We do not have anyone in custody currently, but we will identify the person or persons responsible for this tragedy and bring them forward for justice,” Simington said. “This shooting is our greatest concern.”
Additional the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation.
In a statement, Glenbard High School District 87 Supt. Jessica Santee described the shooting as “tragic” and said the district was “deeply saddened” by the impact it has had on the community.
“Far too many young lives have been impacted by senseless shootings,” the statement read in part. “It is heartbreaking that our communities continue to face tragedies like this.”
The school’s cheerleading team said it was “absolutely heartbroken” to learn of Dettloff’s death.
“Giana was not only a sweet and caring soul, but she also had massive positive influence on our community. She respected others and made our school a better place. Her impact will not be forgotten,” the team wrote on social media.
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