Three Students Killed in MSU Shooting Identified

The three students killed in Monday night’s deadly shooting on Michigan State University’s campus were all from the southeastern part of the state.

Michigan State University Department of Police and Public Safety identified the three victims as Arielle Anderson, a junior from Grosse Pointe, Brian Fraser, a sophomore from Grosse Pointe, and Alexandria Verner, a junior from Clawson.

Grosse Pointe Schools Superintendent M. Jon Dean was in disbelief.

“I’ve had a parent reach out to me and say, ‘Jon, this has to be wrong…’ I said, ‘I wish it was wrong. I wish I could write you this letter and say this was a mistake, it didn’t happen,’” he said. “I’ll be honest with you. I thought somebody crossed their wires. We’ve got two high schools in a small community.”

Anderson’s family released a statement saying she was passionate about helping her friends and family and service to others. They said she dreamed of being a surgeon and was working toward completing her undergraduate studies early to make that happen.

“She means the world to us. As much as we loved her, she loved us and others even more. She was passionate about helping her friends and family, assisting children and serving people,” the statement read. “As an Angel here on Earth, Arielle was sweet and loving with an infectious smile that was very contagious.”

“We are absolutely devastated by this heinous act of violence upon her and many other innocent victims,” the statement continued.

The family added it was appreciative of the outpouring of support it had seen.

Fraser was the president of MSU’s Phi Delta Theta chapter, according to the fraternity’s Facebook page. The fraternity says Brian was a great friend to his brothers, the Greek community and everyone he met on campus.

Clawson school district’s superintendent said Verner exemplified kindness every day of her life and had a lasting impact on everyone in the district.

During a Tuesday morning news conference, MSU Police Interim Deputy Chief Chris Rozman confirmed all the victims were students.

According to Dr. Denny Martin with Sparrow Hospital, all five of the students who were hospitalized remained in critical condition as of early Tuesday afternoon. Four of them required surgery. The one who didn’t need surgery was alert and “interacting with the care team in the ICU.”

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The suspect was identified as 43-year-old Anthony McRae, according to MSU police. He died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound when confronted by police in Lansing, miles from campus, around 11:30 p.m. Monday. The motive remains under investigation.

Anthony McRae

The Associated Press reports that investigators found a note in McRae’s pocket that contained threats against two schools in Ewing Township, New Jersey, located near Trenton. The schools were closed Tuesday, but plan to reopen Wednesday. McRae lived in the area years ago, according to AP.

MSU Interim President Teresa Woodruff said classes are canceled for the remainder of the week and will resume Monday. Grief resources are available for anyone who needs them at the East Lansing Hannah Community Center at 819 Abbot Road.

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