Former PVAMU employee shoots worker to death over alleged dispute at university farm, officials say

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (KTRK) -- One man is dead, and another was arrested after a campus shooting at Prairie View A&M.

University police Chief Michael Curry said the gunshots rang out around 9 a.m. Monday at the Governor Bill and Vara Daniels Farm and Ranch.

An ABC13 crew witnessed the crime scene investigation happening close to the International Goat Research Center on the north side of campus off Cameron Road.

"At this time, UPD is investigating a shooting that involved one university employee and one former employee," Curry said.

Police say the two men previously worked together at the farm, and on Monday morning, the former employee arrived and is alleged to have fired shots at the current employee.

Authorities are now investigating whether the shooting was related to a previous dispute.

The victim was found with multiple gunshot wounds and, despite first aid, died at the scene.

The suspect was found driving on campus and arrested.

The university issued a shelter-in-place order that was lifted after the suspect was detained.

At one point, nearby Jones Elementary School was in a "secure state" where all exterior doors were locked, and no one was allowed in or out of the building, but that has since been lifted.

Officials sent ABC13 the following statement:

"This morning, an incident isolated to the Governor Bill and Vara Daniels Farm and Ranch involving a former employee resulted in a shelter-in-place notification to the campus community. Through the swift action of campus law enforcement, the suspect was detained and taken into custody. No students were injured. However, one victim, a current PVAMU employee, sustained life-threatening injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

As our campus mourns, the University has canceled all in-person classes for the remainder of the day. Faculty and staff are encouraged to communicate with their immediate supervisor, should they need time off to process today's unfortunate event.

Our hearts go out to family, friends, and all impacted by this tragedy. Individuals needing counseling or related support may do so through Student Counseling Services (students) and the Employee Assistance Program (employees).

The Prairie View A&M University Police Department is leading the investigation."

All in-person classes were canceled Monday as a result of the shooting.

Police did not release the victim's name, saying they were still working to notify family members.

The identity of the suspect was also not released, as he has not been formally charged.