The Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) community is mourning the loss of a 20-year-old student from Alexandria, Virginia, who was shot and killed in the Carver neighbourhood.
Samuel Kwarteng was close to graduating with an engineering degree, according to friends. Police say Emmanuel Jordan, who is not a VCU student, shot and allegedly killed Kwarteng following an argument overnight on Wednesday April 12.
Kwarteng’s friends want people to realise how great of a loss this is. Kwaku Diawuo and Walton Williams say they’ve been friends with Kwarteng for most of their lives.
“He was the only man in his family,” said Diawuo. “He was actually going to take his family out of poverty. He actually got an internship and was on his way up.”
They said Kwarteng’s life was full of potential.
“He’s the type of person that would make a robot,” said Diawuo. “He actually last year won a robot competition. He was the type of person who would always try to motivate you. Always try to keep you driving. He wanted everyone to do better.”
Police say there was an argument before the shooting. The call came in around 12:29 a.m. People in the neighborhood were clearly emotional as police investigated and collected evidence. According to police, the suspect, Emmanuel Jordan, was arrested shortly after the shooting and charged with involuntary manslaughter.
Police say there is no other danger to the community. Now it’s the community that is grieving.
“We grew up together,” said Williams. “We did everything together. I don’t even know what to say. It just really hurts.”
Friends say Kwarteng leaves behind two younger sisters and his mother. Loved ones have this message for the man accused of firing the gun.
“The court system will handle him,” said Diawuo. “That’s all I can say about him. God bless him, the court system will handle him.”
A message went out to students from the president of VCU. It says counselling services are now available:
It is with great sadness that I inform the university community of the tragic death this morning of a VCU student.
Richmond Police report that at 12:28 a.m. this morning, Samuel Kwarteng, a 20-year old VCU student from Alexandria, Va., was shot and killed during an altercation off campus in the 1200 block of W. Moore Street. One person, not affiliated with VCU, was immediately arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter. This is an isolated incident.
I am sure you join me in sending our thoughts and prayers to Samuel’s family and friends in this time of great loss. The VCU Counselling Centre has been alerted and its services are available to anyone who needs assistance in dealing with this tragic event.
Pi Kappa Phi at VCU released the following statement:
Although this loss has hurt us all, we are extremely proud to be able to call Samuel Kwarteng our brother. What he did for this organisation and the positive impact he had on so many people’s lives will never be forgotten. As a brother, as a student, and as a man, Sam excelled at every part of life. We send our deepest condolences to Sam’s family, and will do anything in our power to help. Long Live Sam K.
Two candlelight vigils have been planned. Friends plan to gather at the Commons on the VCU campus on Friday, April 14 at 6 p.m. Another vigil will be held Saturday, April 15 at The Muddy Hole Farm Park on Kidd Street in Alexandria, VA at 6 p.m.
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