Georgia Tech Shooting: Officers Also Mourning Scout Schultz, Police Chief Says

ATLANTA, GA -- The Georgia Tech police chief said late Wednesday that the department also is in mourning over the shooting death of Scout Schultz, a student activist who was gunned down by an officer Saturday night. Police Chief Rob Connolly said in a statement posted on Twitter that he was "deeply saddened" over the incident, which has thrust the Midtown Atlanta university into the spotlight.

Schultz, a fourth-year engineering student from Lilburn, was a leader and activist in the LGBTQIA community on campus. His death has brought to the fore questions about officers' use of lethal force and how they deal with people exhibiting signs of mental problems. (SIGN UP: Get Patch's Daily Newsletter and Real Time News Alerts. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app.)

Connolly said that he understood that many in the community had questions, but he was at liberty to divulge very little in light of the fact that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation was looking into the matter.

"We've worked very hard to build and open and transparent relationship with you," he said. "Currently, the case is in the hands of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, so we are limited in what we are able to share. The GBI will release a full report as soon as their work is complete.

"All of us here at GTPD would like to thank the Georgia Tech community for the support we have received. Like you, we are mourning of a member of our community, and ask that you keep the family and friends of Scout Schultz in your thoughts and prayers."

Law enforcement has revealed several keys facts about the shooting and what preceded it, namely that a 911 call made moments before a showdown between Schultz and police was made by the gunshot victim.

Audio of the incident shows that a description of the suspicious person -- a white male, "long blonde hair, white T-shirt, jeans" -- matched what the 21-year-old student was wearing.

Three people were also arrested after a vigil honoring the life of Schultz was marred by violent protests, including the burning of a police cruiser.

Jacob David Wilson, 22, of Atlanta is being held on a $107,000 bond while Vincent Castillenti, 31, of Decatur has a $50,000 bond and Cassandra Monden, 20, of Marietta has a $20,000 bond, local media reported. Monden is the one of the trio who attends Tech, authorities said.

She and Castillenti were able to bond out of jail, WAGA reported early Thursday.

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Schultz was killed Saturday night after refusing to put down a knife when confronted by police officers, according to the GBI. A lawyer for Schultz's family said that the student had a multi-purpose tool.

On Monday, the GBI said that three suicide notes were found in Schultz's dorm room.

“As we work through this tragic event, I encourage you to take advantage of all of the resources we provide here on campus for mental, emotional, and physical well-being,” Georgia Tech President G.P. “Bud” Peterson said in a campus message. “In the days and weeks to come, we will offer opportunities for dialogue and will respond with additional resources as needed for healing. Together, we will get through this.”

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Image via Georgia Tech