Temple University Student Dies In Off-Campus Shooting

PHILADELPHIA, PA — A Temple University student was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds inside his off-campus apartment. Daniel Duignam, 21, a third-year business student from Tatamy, was found dead just before 10 p.m. Saturday in his apartment, located on the 1700 block of Diamond Street, university President Richard Englert said in a letter to the community.

Both city and campus police are investigating, the statement said.

"While there are many questions yet to be answered, they do not believe that this was a random act," Englert said.

The reason behind the shooting wasn't immediately known. No arrests have been made.

The university will beef up security patrols in the areas surrounding campus as the investigation continues.

"On behalf of everyone at Temple, I want to extend my deepest sympathies to Daniel’s family and friends at this tragic time," Englert said. "They are in the thoughts and prayers of us all."

Duignam was the grandson of former Tatamy mayor Luke Duignam, the The Express-Times reported. 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," Moren said. "I cannot imagine their pain and sadness."

Moren said Duignam was a good kid who was "cut down in the prime of his life." He plans to request a moment of silence before the beginning of the borough council's meeting on Monday, the newspaper reported.

Englert, the university president, said it takes an "enormous emotional toll" on the community when one of its members dies.

"That is especially true amid the stress that occurs during finals and the close of the academic year. I urge everyone to seek help should you experience difficulty during this time," he said.

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.

The university's chapter of the NAACP condemned the gun violence.

“It is tragic that we have lost yet another life here at Temple University,” the group said in a statement. “Someone so young did not deserve to lose their life in that manner of violence. Violence so close in proximity to their residence, no less, is horrid in itself. Gun violence has been prevalent in the news and rampant in our public spaces. It is unfair that lives continue to be lost due to such violence."

Photo credit: Renee Schiavone, Patch