An Illinois college cheerleader was killed and eight others were wounded in a mass shooting at an off-campus Halloween party over the weekend, police and friends said.
Giana Dettloff, 19, died at the scene near Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, Illinois, at about 1:30 a.m. Sunday.
A preliminary autopsy found that Dettloff, an only child, had been shot multiple times in the chest and pelvis.
Police had not arrested any suspects in connection with the shooting.
Dettloff was a freshman cheerleader at North Central College outside Chicago. She had traveled roughly two hours to Bloomington to visit a friend.
“For a parent, sending a child off to college is filled with pride, hope, and excitement for the journey ahead. To have that journey cut short in such a tragic way is a parent’s worst nightmare. Our hearts are with Giana’s family, friends, and everyone impacted by this tragedy,” Police Chief Jamal Simington said in a statement on Facebook.
“We also ask our community to keep Giana’s loved ones in their thoughts and respect their privacy as they navigate this unimaginable loss.”
Dettloff’s family described her as “full of life, a sweet girl with a very bright future.”
Simington said investigators “will identify the person or persons responsible for this tragedy and bring them forward for justice.”
“We continue to wish all those injured a full recovery and hope they have the support and care they need during this difficult time. We remain committed to conducting a thorough investigation, identifying those responsible, and ensuring accountability,” Simington said.
Bloomington police responded to reports of gunfire at about 1:30 a.m. Sunday and confirmed that nine people, ranging in age from 16 to 22, had been shot.
Alongside Dettloff’s fatal injuries, victims included a 19-year-old man shot in the arm; a 22-year-old man with gunshot wounds to the arm and abdomen; an 18-year-old woman wounded in the leg; a 16-year-old girl shot in the arm; a 19-year-old woman wounded in the ankle; an 18-year-old woman shot in the leg; and another 19-year-old woman wounded in the ankle.
Online tributes have described Dettloff as a “vibrant and beloved member” of her community and cheerleading team.
“Giana brought joy and light to those around her,” North Central College wrote in an Instagram post.
“Our hearts go out to her family, friends, teammates and fellow students. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.”
“No words can ease the pain of her loss, but please know that we mourn with you and are here to support you. Our hearts are also with those injured in the shooting and their loved ones,” North Central President Abiódún Gòkè-Paríolá said.
Dettloff’s former high school cheerleading squad also honored her in a heartfelt Instagram post Monday.
“We are absolutely heartbroken about the tragic death of Giana Dettloff. Giana was not only a sweet and caring soul, but she also had [a] massive positive influence on our community,” the squad wrote alongside a carousel of photographs.
“She respected others and made our school a better place. Her impact will not be forgotten.”