2008 Woodie Awards
DSU shooting victim dies one month later
Sarah Kenney & Sarah Lipman
Issue date: 10/23/07 Section: News
Shalita Middleton, one of two Delaware State University freshmen who were shot last month, died yesterday afternoon at Christiana Hospital as a result of her injuries.
Middleton, 17, died at approximately 3:30 p.m., after being removed from a ventilator.
"She struggled valiantly over the last several weeks and she was an inspiration to all of her friends both in Washington D.C. and in Delaware," according to a statement released by her family shortly after her death. "Ultimately, however, the internal injuries that she suffered were, in the end, too critical to overcome."
DSU President Allen Sessoms also released a statement offering the university community's condolences.
"The DSU community is grieving and deeply saddened by the passing [yesterday] of Shalita K. Middleton, a freshman biology major and cheerleader here at our institution," Sessoms said.
Middleton and Nathaniel Pugh, also 17, were shot on Sept. 21 in an early-morning altercation in front of the Memorial Hall gymnasium. Pugh was shot in the ankle and has since been released from the hospital. Middleton sustained serious abdominal injuries.
Loyer Braden, an 18-year-old freshman, was initially charged with attempted first-degree murder, first-degree assault, reckless endangerment and possession of a firearm during a felony.
Braden's bail has increased from $50,000 to $192,000 -- an indication that his charges may be upgraded to include first-degree murder.
Middleton, 17, died at approximately 3:30 p.m., after being removed from a ventilator.
"She struggled valiantly over the last several weeks and she was an inspiration to all of her friends both in Washington D.C. and in Delaware," according to a statement released by her family shortly after her death. "Ultimately, however, the internal injuries that she suffered were, in the end, too critical to overcome."
DSU President Allen Sessoms also released a statement offering the university community's condolences.
"The DSU community is grieving and deeply saddened by the passing [yesterday] of Shalita K. Middleton, a freshman biology major and cheerleader here at our institution," Sessoms said.
Middleton and Nathaniel Pugh, also 17, were shot on Sept. 21 in an early-morning altercation in front of the Memorial Hall gymnasium. Pugh was shot in the ankle and has since been released from the hospital. Middleton sustained serious abdominal injuries.
Loyer Braden, an 18-year-old freshman, was initially charged with attempted first-degree murder, first-degree assault, reckless endangerment and possession of a firearm during a felony.
Braden's bail has increased from $50,000 to $192,000 -- an indication that his charges may be upgraded to include first-degree murder.
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