The University of West Georgia is mourning the death of an 18-year-old freshman and grappling with the notion that a former professor is being blamed for her death.

Richard Sigman, 47, has been arrested and charged with murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony for his involvement in the death of Anna Jones, the report said. Carrollton Police Department.

Jones was fatally shot in a parking lot early Saturday morning.

Sigman had a verbal altercation with another man at an Italian restaurant in Carrollton, police say. The other man told security that Sigman had threatened to shoot him, police said. Restaurant security saw that Sigman had a gun and told him to leave. Sigman then left and headed for the parking lot.

“Investigation then indicates that Sigman entered the parking lot and began shooting at a parked vehicle striking the victim. Friends immediately drove her to the hospital where she was pronounced dead,” police wrote. from Carrollton on Facebook.

“This case is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Carrollton Police Department.”

Carroll County Jail online records showed Sigman was “currently booked” Sunday noon. No amount of deposit was indicated. It was unclear if Sigman had legal representation.

The president of West Georgia University released a statement on Saturday. “The University of West Georgia has learned of the loss of one of its students, Anna Jones, who died in an off-campus incident earlier today,” said President Dr. Brendan Kelly.

“The UWG has terminated the employment of Richard Sigman and continues to work with the City of Carrollton Police Department, who are conducting this ongoing investigation. On behalf of the university, we wish to convey our deepest condolences to Anna’s family and her many friends,” Kelly said. .

Jones was a recent graduate of Mount Zion High School in Carrollton, who posted a tribute to the murdered freshman on Facebook.

“It is with great sadness that we write to inform you of the passing of Anna Jones, a recent graduate of the Class of 2022 from MZHS,” the high school said. “Anna loved this school and this community, and she will be missed by many. Please keep her family and friends in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this difficult time.”

The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia company. All rights reserved.