Family members have identified the dean of the Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology as the woman who was killed when a gunman opened fire on the Inglewood campus.
Dr. Cameisha Clark, 35, was working in her office on May 2 when the male suspect entered the building and began firing.
He struck two people in the office — Clark and her receptionist, a woman whose identity has not been released. The gunman fled the scene shortly after as the campus was locked down and police began searching for him.
The two women were rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Clark later died from her injuries. The second victim remains hospitalized in stable condition.
The suspect, Jesse Figueroa, 40, of Monterey Park, was later found on the 1100 block of Berendo Street after officers spotted his vehicle and pulled him over.
Figueroa was employed by Spartan College as a security guard. He had only worked at the technical college for two months, according to Inglewood Mayor James Butts.
On Friday, Figueroa was charged by the Los Angeles County District Attorney with one felony count of murder, one felony count of attempted murder, one felony count of possession of a firearm with prior violent convictions, and one felony count of possession of a firearm by a felon with prior convictions.
The motive behind the deadly shooting remains unclear.
Clark was described by her loved ones as a compassionate woman who was dedicated to helping students.
“We are beyond devastated,” her family said. “Cameisha’s life was taken from us far too soon, in an act of senseless violence that no woman should ever have to endure. She was an amazing person who didn’t deserve this. She was living her best life, doing the work she loved.”
Clark grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, and graduated from Clark Atlanta University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s degree and a doctorate in education.
Her family said they want justice for her death and for the suspect to face the consequences he deserves.
“Any student, faculty member or employee should feel safe and secure going to school,” said L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman. “This horrific act of gun violence has shaken Spartan College and our entire community.”
Hochman said Figueroa is a convicted felon who was not legally allowed to possess a firearm. He is charged with several gun sentencing enhancements.
Figueroa was scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday. If convicted as charged, he faces life in prison. He is being held on $5 million bail. An arraignment hearing is scheduled for May 29.
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