One college professor out in the state of Georgia has allegedly shot and killed an 18-year-old girl who was slated to start classes at the school where he taught this coming fall.
The 47-year-old professor at the University of West Georgia, Richard Sigman, stands accused of murder, possession of a firearm, and aggravated assault in relation to the death of Anna Jones this past Saturday. Jones was shot dead just outside of a Carrollton area pizzeria in the wake of Sigman and another person getting into a fight, as reported by police.
“The University of West Georgia has learned of the loss of one of its students, Anna Jones, who passed away following an off-campus incident earlier today,” explained school president Brendan Kelly in a release that was reported on by CBS 46. “UWG has terminated the employment of Richard Sigman and continues to work with the city of Carrollton Police Department, which leads this ongoing investigation.”
Police have stated that Sigman had hurled threats to shoot at the other man, who cried out for help. When security officials went over to the professor, that saw that he was carrying a firearm and issued an order for him to leave. However, Sigman allegedly made his way to a parking lot and started shooting at a parked car near where jones was seated, explained authorities.
Jones was a 2022 graduate from local Mount Zion High School.
“Anna loved this school and this community and she will be missed dearly by many,” stated the school via a post on social media. “Please keep her family and friends in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this difficult time.”
As a way to assist with the funeral expenses for the girl, a GoFundMe page was set up and has managed to gather over $18,000 as of Monday morning.
“She was a beautiful, sweet soul and her smile would light up a room! As with most parents, you never think that you will need life insurance for your child,” stated the fundraising page. “This was a devastating and senseless crime that left a lot of hearts broken, a community mourning, and a family grieving. If you could, please help in any way.”
Looking into a course catalog revealed that Sigman was slated to be a lecturer in business administration classes.
“On behalf of the university, we wish to convey our deepest condolences to Anna’s family and many friends,” expressed Kelly.