2008 Woodie Awards
Student dies from shooting at bar parking lot
Friends leave flowers at the scene, campus memorial service planned
The State Hornet staff
Issue date: 5/3/07 Section: News
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A 20-year-old Sacramento State student died at 5:55 p.m. at UC Davis Medical Center on Wednesday from a 1 a.m. shooting at the Library Eats and Drinks bar.
Coroner officials identified the victim Thursday morning as Kebret Tekle. The sophomore was member of the Eta Lambda chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, a black sorority, and a committee chair for the National Pan-Hellenic Council.
Tekle graduated in 2004 from James Logan High School, located in Union City. During high school, she was a member of the National Forensic League.
Officer Konrad Von Schoech of the Sacramento City Police Department said on Wednesday that the department received calls about the shooting, located across from the university's Folsom Boulevard entrance, at 12:58 a.m.
After a dispute inside the bar moved into the parking lot, witnesses said several gunshots were fired, and Tekle, who police described as an innocent bystander, was struck in the neck while in her car.
The incident began inside the nightclub when two groups of suspected gang members started a fight and were later escorted outside by security, according to a Sacramento City Police press release.
In the parking lot, a member of one of the groups pulled out a firearm and the other group got into its car and sped off, police said.
The Greek community held a coin drive fundraiser for the Tekle family during the Greek Sing and Dance Competition. The event began at 10 a.m. on Friday in the University Union Ballroom.
A memorial service for Tekle is being planned by Davin Brown, director of Student Life and Services.
Aa Facebook group, titled "We Love you Kebret," was created with comments from friends written on "The Wall."
"I love all of the joy, laughter, and the memories," wrote Edidiong B. Uwan, a family and consumer sciences major. "You will deeply be missed, I will forever remember that infectious smile that could lighten any mood. ... I am truly a better person to have had you in my life. I love you Kebret. Your family is in my prayers. You are in my heart forever."
Chauncey Corbin, a senior on the track and field team, wrote that he wanted to remember fond memories of Tekle.
"She is a great woman that broght (sic) lots of individuals togther which shows just how great she is," Corbin wrote. "When we see each other again you still owe me a dance!!!"
Sac State reserved the University Union Ballroom on Wednesday night for friends and family members to gather and mourn. Clinical psychologists from the Counseling Center were available to console mourners on Wednesday night, and the Ballroom was open until 6 a.m., Varlotta said.
"We will make counseling services available to any student, group or class on campus," Varlotta said on Wednesday.
In an e-mail sent to the campus community on Wednesday, President Alexander Gonzalez conveyed empathy for the victim.
"I would like to express our shock and sadness about the shooting of one of our students earlier this morning near campus," he said.
Gonzalez said it is important for the campus community to come together to support the family.
"This is a sad day for the campus," Gonzalez said. "It will be important in the days and weeks ahead that we are supportive of those who have been deeply affected."
The suspect is described as a 5-foot-7-inch man between 20 and 25, and was last seen wearing a jacket with a fur collar.
It is unknown whether the suspect is affiliated with Sac State.
"He may have been driving a four-door Sedan with no plates," the University Police press release stated.
Von Schoech said he doesn't know if any previous violent incidences have occurred at the bar.
"This seems to be one act, not an ongoing incident," Von Schoech said.
Lt. Daniel Davis said on Wednesday that the University Police is enhancing patrols and has posted alert bulletins around campus.
University Police urges the campus community to be alert to their surroundings and to report suspicious activities. University Police can be reached at (916) 278-6851. Sacramento City Police asks that anyone who knows about the incident or suspects contact them at (916) 264-5481.
For further updates, check www.statehornet.com.
The State Hornet staff can be reached at news@statehornet.com
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 31
Chi Delta
posted 5/03/07 @ 10:57 AM PST
To the sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Always keep your sister's memory alive.
-The sisters of Chi Delta
Journalism Students
posted 5/03/07 @ 1:27 PM PST
As a journalism & Sac State student, my heart, thoughts and prayers go out to Kebret Tekle and her family. God Bless.
Delta Gamma
posted 5/03/07 @ 3:34 PM PST
To the sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha-
We want to send our deepest condolenses in the loss of your beautiful sister, Kebret. Our thoughts and prayers go to you, her friends, and her family. (Continued…)
Dr Mosupyoe
posted 5/03/07 @ 5:49 PM PST
I am so saddened to lose one of my dearest students Kebret. I will miss her. I will remember her contributions in class and how I could not stop admiring her passion about issues. (Continued…)
EVA GALLO
posted 5/04/07 @ 8:49 AM PST
A FRIEND SINCE MIDDLE SCHOOL TO HIGH SHCOOL, WE GRADUATED TOGETHER IN 2004! MY PRAYERS TO HER AND HER FAMILY SHE WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED!
Resha
posted 5/04/07 @ 12:32 PM PST
In reality no place is safe, however violence rises after night falls. For years Greek sorority women have hosted many safe "on-campus parties" and so far most of them have been pretty safe-- maybe we need to return to that format. (Continued…)
Kaci Gavins
posted 5/04/07 @ 1:51 PM PST
From dancing at Pioneer Elementary, to holding it down at Alvarado Middle School, to growing into beautiful young woman at Logan high. We were great friends and shared many memories with the Tekle family. (Continued…)
Angela Arriola
posted 5/04/07 @ 2:23 PM PST
Entering EOP in 2004, Kebret was one of 30 Summer Bridge students who I lived with for 6 weeks, mentoring and introducing her to Sac State. One of the liveliest and brightest students in the program, Kebret distinguished herself from the beginning. (Continued…)
Essay Tsegay
posted 5/04/07 @ 2:51 PM PST
Where do I begin? I was initially informed that Shewet had been shot, and struggling on life support by a mutual cousin of ours. Then I find out that it wasn't Shewet that was dying but Kebret, and that she had just passed a few minutes ago. (Continued…)
Dawn M
posted 5/04/07 @ 6:32 PM PST
To the sisters of Eta Lambda. Stay strong and try to focus on the good times she is with God now with her pinkie held high. My prayers are with you and her family. (Continued…)
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