Slain Temple Student Knew His Killer, Police Say

PHILADELPHIA – Following the shocking murder of a third-year Temple University student, authorities in Philadelphia are now on the hunt for the killer in what they believe was a targeted incident by someone that victim knew.

Daniel Duignam, 21, was shot several times in his own apartment the evening of Saturday, May 5, according to Philadelphia Police.

Duignam, a third-year business student at Temple who was waiting to take the last final of his junior year, was shot and killed at about 9:51 p.m. May 5 in his apartment on the 1700 block of West Diamond Street.

When officers arrived at the apartment, they found Duignam, of Tatamy in Northampton County, in his bedroom suffering from gunshot wounds to the chest, groin, and forearm, police said.

He was pronounced dead on the scene, according to police.

Duignam was able to call 911 before he died, telling the dispatcher he could not breathe.

Police have not made any arrests and the department's Homicide Unit is investigating the case.

The motive for Duignam's killing is still unknown, but police said in a press conference Monday that his apartment was ransacked and money was taken.

Police also said there were clear signs of a struggle, there was no forced entry into the apartment, and that the suspect locked the door on their way out of the apartment.

Police said there may have been more than one person in Duignam's apartment during the incident, despite Duignam living alone.

"While there are many questions yet to be answered, they do not believe that this was a random act," Temple President Richard Englert said in a letter to the community. "Temple University will enhance patrols in the areas surrounding campus as the investigation moves forward."

Duignam was the grandson of former Tatamy mayor Luke Duignam. Current Mayor Chris Moren posted a statement on Facebook on Sunday afternoon expressing his condolences.

"I am beyond heartbroken to let you know that one of our own has fallen to a senseless tragedy. Dan was the grandson of former Mayor Luke Duignam," Moren said. "I cannot imagine their pain and sadness. Please keep the Duignam family in your thoughts as they are now having to deal with the unimaginable."

Temple's Tuttleman Counseling Services will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Walk-in hours are available daily.

Anyone with information about Duignam's death is asked to call (215) 204-1234 or use the confidential tip line at (215) 204-6493.

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