North Central College student Giana Dettloff dies in Bloomington shooting
The 19-year-old cheerleader was pronounced dead at a residence near Illinois Wesleyan University, where seven others were injured.
By William Turner ·
Giana Dettloff, a 19-year-old student at North Central College, was identified as the victim who died in a mass shooting in Bloomington, Illinois, on Sunday. Dettloff was a member of the college's cheerleading team. She was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident.
The shooting occurred just before 1:30 a.m. Sunday at a residence in the 100 block of East Division Street. Bloomington Police Department officers were responding to a separate call several blocks away when they heard gunshots. The first units arrived within a minute and began providing lifesaving care to the most critically injured individuals.
In addition to Dettloff, seven other people were injured. The victims included students affiliated with Illinois Wesleyan University, Illinois State University, and other Illinois institutions, as well as individuals with no college affiliation. Police reported on Sunday that one woman, previously listed in critical condition, is showing signs of improvement.
North Central College President Abiódún Gòkè-Paríolá addressed the campus community on Sunday to confirm the identity of the deceased. "On behalf of the College, I offer my deepest condolences to her family, friends, teammates, and classmates. 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," Gòkè-Paríolá said in the college's statement.
The president urged the community to utilize available counseling resources and to avoid speculation while the investigation continues. "As the circumstances of the shooting remain under investigation, please avoid speculation and respect the privacy of Giana’s family and those affected. Any information about opportunities to remember Giana will be shared in accordance with her family’s wishes," Gòkè-Paríolá added.
Bloomington police and the McLean County Coroner’s Office are currently investigating the incident. No arrests have been announced as of Sunday. Illinois Wesleyan University is offering support through its Counseling and Consultation Services. Illinois State University students can contact Student Counseling Services at 309-438-3655 or use TimelyCare.
The Bloomington Police Department is asking community members to submit digital evidence through its community portal. Anyone with information can contact Det. Pedro Diaz at 309-434-2532 or Pdiaz@CityBlm.org.
