Chancellor Javier Reyes sent the campus community the email message below on April 23 regarding the ongoing investigation at the Campus Center Hotel.
 

To the Campus Community, 

It is with deep sadness that I share that last night, the University of Massachusetts Police Department and the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office responded to a suspected homicide of a UMass Amherst staff member at the UMass Campus Center Hotel. A suspect has been taken into custody. While the District Attorney has not yet released the identity of the victim or suspect, both were known to each other. As we shared last night, there is no ongoing threat to our campus or the community.

I want to acknowledge that this is heartbreaking and deeply unsettling news for our campus. Our thoughts are with those affected, including the families, friends, and colleagues of the individuals involved. I also recognize that the lack of complete information may add to the distress many are feeling, but this is necessary to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation.

Please know that support resources are available for anyone who may need them during this time. 

Staff and faculty: Counseling will be available on-site. Employees who would like to speak with a counselor should call (413) 545-0350 or contact [email protected] to make an appointment. Support is also available at any time through the Employee Counseling and Consultation Office.

Students: The Center for Counseling and Psychological Health (CCPH) is available 24/7 for crisis support at https://www.umass.edu/counseling/crisis-services. Walk-in support is available at CCPH at the Middlesex Building during business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Support is also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 413-545-HELP (4357).

I encourage you to reach out for support and provide care and space for one another. We will continue to share updates if and when we are able to.

Sincerely,
Javier A. Reyes
Chancellor