A Fort Valley State University student was fatally stabbed on the main campus Tuesday afternoon, officials said.
Donnell M. Phelps, of Marshallville, was a freshman majoring in agriculture engineering technology, Campus Safety Police Chief Kenneth Morgan said in a press release.
The historically black university is located about 105 miles south of Atlanta, in Fort Valley.
The suspect, who has not been identified, also reportedly stabbed campus safety officer Ernest Johnson during the attack, which took place near the main campus gate.
The suspect was taken into custody on campus shortly after the attacks, Morgan said.
Fort Valley State University President Dr. Paul Jones said he was deeply saddened by the senseless violence.
“My heart and the hearts of the entire Fort Valley State University community go out to the Phelps family,” Jones said, adding concern for the families of all other persons involved in the terrible event.
Jones asked the community to keep the entire campus in their thoughts and prayers.
“We will do what families do in times of loss, we will gather together to support each other through this extremely difficult time,” Jones said. “We will focus on ensuring that our students and our campus community have the support they need.”
Grief counselors were made available on campus and a prayer vigil was scheduled at 8 p.m. at the Student Amenities Building.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is investigating with assistance from campus police.
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