LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Two women were shot and killed early Sunday morning at Family Scholar House near the University of Louisville campus.
Louisville Metro Police said its officers responded along with UofL Police officers around 1:45 a.m. to find two women shot. They were pronounced dead at the scene.
Family Scholar House sits at the corner of 5th and Lee streets on the edge of campus. In a social media post Sunday morning, UofL called it a "heartbreaking event for the entire Louisville community." Neither of the victims were students, UofL said.
According to Family Scholar House, one of the victims was planning a career in forensic science and the other was pursuing a nursing career specializing in geriatric care.
"Family Scholar House is a non-profit organization committed to helping student parents and their children — many of whom have previously experienced persistent poverty, unstable housing, and, often, domestic violence – achieve a fresh start through the transformative power of education," the university wrote on social media. "Our hearts go out to the residents of Scholar House and their loved ones as they grieve and attempt to process this horrific violence."
"While we have no reason to believe there is a current threat to campus, the UofL community is asked to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior by calling UofL Police at (502) 852-6111," the university said.
UofL encouraged any students, faculty or staff to download the SafeZone app to ensure they're receiving timely safety alerts for this or any other incident.
"Counseling is available at the UofL Counseling Center for students who may be affected or struggling to process this situation, and employees may receive support through the Employee Assistance Program," UofL wrote.
Family Scholar House CEO Cathe Dykstra said they provided grief counseling for residents Sunday, and counselors will be available throughout the week.
In order to live at any of the Family Scholar House's affordable housing locations, you have to be a single parent pursuing a college degree and meet income eligibility requirements.
Joey Joseph moved to the location on Reg. Smith Circle in November.
"Unfortunately witnessing domestic violence and fights happening in broad daylight is a common experience that we have over here," Joseph said.
She has had constant concerns for safety since living there.
"These two gates are broken and have been broke for years," Joseph said.
Justus Love lives at the Family Scholar House location on Breckinridge Street. She said behind each door, lives a single parent, likely a mom who is simply doing what she can to give her children better lives.
"Where women and children and single fathers are trying to get an education predominately there's violence," Love said. "That makes no sense those areas are supposed to be heavily protected."
Dykstra said she's hearing the concerns residents are sharing for the first time. She said she authorized for the gate to be fixed in February, but because the gate is 18-year-old, Beacon Property Management has struggled to find the parts to make the repair.
Dykstra said the gate is a strong deterrent, but it will not fully prevent someone from getting onto the property.
Dykstra added that whether security is provided would be up to property managers.
"In 18 years of providing affordable housing, we have never experienced a violent tragedy on any of our campuses," Family Scholar House said in a statement. "But that history does not lessen the devastation of two young women losing their lives."
Family Scholar House also called the incident a "heartbreaking tragedy."
Anyone who has information that could help investigators is asked to call LMPD's anonymous tip line at 574-LMPD (5673). Tips also can be submitted anonymously through LMPD's online tip portal.
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