Hayfield Graduate Killed Off Campus Of Virginia State University

PETERSBURG, VA — A Hayfield Secondary School graduate attending Virginia State University in Petersburg died in an off-campus shooting Sunday, according to media reports.

Virginia State University confirmed Daniel Wharton, 19, of Alexandria was killed in the off-campus shooting. The shooting happened at University Apartments at Ettrick in Petersburg Sunday night. Wharton was taken to the hospital and died of his injuries.

Wharton's mother told NBC4 her son was a graduate of Hayfield Secondary School and was pursuing cybersecurity studies. According to the university, Wharton was a computer engineering major. He had been visiting a friend off campus at the University Apartments at Ettric when he was shot.

"We are devastated and deeply saddened by the news of our fallen Trojan," reads a letter from VSU president Makola M. Abdullah. "It is most difficult and painful to have such a young life cut short as a result of gun violence. This is a tragedy in every sense of the word. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family, friends, and our entire Trojan community."

According to NBC4, Chesterfield County police are investigating the shooting. No arrests have been announced. Anyone with information can contact police at 804-748-1251 or Crime Solvers at 804-748-0660.