During a campus verbal dispute on Saturday, Alasia Franklin, a student at Kennesaw State University, was shot and killed. Franklin was reportedly shot with a revolver in front of the Austin Residence Complex on the south side of the KSU premises. Samuel Harris, who is believed to be in his early twenties, then fled from campus.
Cobb County police arrested Harris on suspicion of murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a handgun during the commission of a crime. Harris is not a student at the institution.
Approximately forty-five minutes after receiving reports of an armed intruder on campus, the school’s police department issued a “secure in place” alert to the surrounding community. The warning was lifted approximately three-quarters of an hour later.
The connection between the suspect and the victim has not yet been determined.
According to documents from the Cobb County prison, Harris is still being detained without bail after his arrest on Saturday. His booking record does not include any information on his counsel, and it is not apparent if he has filed a plea. On Sunday night, a judge in Cobb County refused Harris’ bail.
A junior, Alasia Franklin was a member of the homecoming court. She was described by one student, Mykal Lewis, as a “queen.”
On Sunday, students continued to be confused and anxious. As the days followed, a memorial with balloons, flowers, and images of the nursing student grew.
Franklin’s classmates urged for change, saying her death must not have been in vain.
As a rising junior at Kansas State University, Franklin created the Health Science Club,
was active in the Student Government Association, and served on the school branch of the National Council of Negro Women. She was also preparing to become a nurse practitioner. Those close to Franklin are in the prayers of the NCNW, the group added.
There is mental health support available and in-person counseling services on campus.
