Third victim of UNLV shooting identified as Japanese studies professor Naoko Takemaru

The third victim of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas shooting was identified by authorities Friday as an associate professor of Japanese Studies.

Naoko Takemaru, 69, succumbed to “multiple gunshot wounds” after gunman Anthony Polito stormed the university shortly before noon Wednesday, the Clark County medical examiner announced.

Takemaru was a decorated scholar who taught all levels of the Japanese language at UNLV and authored a book on gender bias in cultural society.

“Dr. Takemaru received the William Morris Award for Excellence in Teaching from the UNLV College of Liberal Arts,” according to the university.

Officials had initially withheld Takemaru’s identification pending notification of the family.

Officials previously identified the other two victims as business professors Patricia Navarro-Velez, 39, and Cha Jan “Jerry” Chang, 64.

The three faculty members were inside Beam Hall, which houses UNLV’s business school, when Polito began shooting with a list in hand of intended targets, none of whom were hit by his bullets.

Naoko Takemaru, an associate professor of Japanese studies, died from multiple gunshot wounds. AP

A fourth victim, a 38-year-old visiting professor, survived the attack and was rushed to a hospital, where his condition has since been downgraded to stable.

Polito died when he ran out of the building and exchanged gunfire with police.

Investigators are still working to uncover Polito’s motive, although the violence could be related to his repeated rejection by universities.

Polito, who served as an associate professor of business from August 2001 to January 2017, was repeatedly rejected on numerous job applications at several Nevada higher education institutions.

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Cha Jan “Jerry” Chang, an associate professor in the business school’s department of Management, Entrepreneurship and Technology, died from a gunshot wound to the head. AP Navarro Vélez, an accounting professor, died from multiple gunshot wounds. AP

Moments before the deadly attack, the scorned professor sent 22 letters containing white powder to university academics across the country.

In the wake of the tragedy, UNLV canceled classes for the remainder of the semester, including final exams.

However, the winter graduation ceremony will continue as planned.

Anthony Polito was carrying a list of targets, all teachers and professors, when he stormed Beam Hall. fake images

“A common thread that emerged was the desire to come together,” UNLV President Keith E. Whitfield said in a letter to the community.

“The historic moment of graduation is the most special day on the university calendar, and it is in difficult times like these that we can and should celebrate the fulfillment of our graduates’ academic dreams.”

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Source: vtt.edu.vn

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