Last updated on February 4, 2020
Two people have been killed and another injured in a shooting at a residence hall at Texas A&M University-Commerce on Monday.
All classes have been canceled through Monday evening as a result of an incident at one of the university’s residence halls, the university said.
Students, faculty and staff are instructed to take shelter and stay in place until further notice. This is a precautionary measure.
“A&M-Commerce UPD is actively investigating three gunshot victims in Pride Rock Residence Hall on the A&M-Commerce campus. There have been two confirmed deaths. The third victim has been taken to the hospital for treatment,” a statement from the University read. “UPD has stationed officers throughout the campus, including all key gathering points, for the safety of the campus community.”
Students at Texas A&M University Commerce were being warned to take shelter and stay in place while an investigation is conducted. This has since been lifted after approximately two hours.
At 10:17 a.m. a student called university police from the Pride Rock Residence Hall. When officers arrived they found two dead women and an injured 2-year-old boy. The child is in stable condition at a local hospital, said Bryan Vaughn, Chief of the Texas A&M-Commerce Police, in a statement. University officials have not yet said whether the two women were students or otherwise affiliated with the school.
A&M-Commerce University Police Department has confirmed the identities of the two deceased. The first victim is 19-year-old Deja Matts, a freshman at the university. She was pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. She was from Garland, Texas. The second victim is 20-year-old Abbaney Matts, sister of Deja. Abbaney was not an enrolled student at A&M-Commerce.
The third victim, the two-year-old son of Abbaney Matts, was treated and released to the care of family members.
According to the University Police Department, the shooting appears to be a targeted, isolated event. This remains an active investigation with multiple law enforcement agencies assisting.
Pride Rock Residence Hall, where the investigation is centered, is a three-story residence hall open to first-year students.
Authorities have not said whether a suspect is in custody yet.
We will continue to provide updates as they become available.
