Shepherd University Student Fatally Shot in Off-Campus Apartment; Suspect Arrested

 The Shepherdstown community and Shepherd University are grappling with a devastating tragedy following the fatal shooting of 19-year-old student Evan Taylor, whose life was abruptly taken early on Friday morning, February 13, 2026. The incident occurred at the University Heights Apartments on Hensel Drive, an off-campus complex where Evan resided, leaving family, friends, classmates, and the wider university community in deep mourning.

According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to the scene around 3:38 a.m., responding to reports of gunfire. Emergency personnel discovered Evan suffering from multiple gunshot wounds inside his apartment. Despite immediate efforts to provide assistance, he was pronounced dead at the scene, marking a heartbreaking end to a young life filled with promise and potential.

Witnesses reported seeing a male suspect fleeing on foot, prompting a rapid and coordinated law enforcement response. Shepherd University Police Department officers quickly reviewed campus surveillance footage, tracking a man matching the suspect’s description as he moved through campus property shortly after the shooting. The investigation led authorities to H Lot, where officers detained 25-year-old Travis Smith and recovered a loaded Glock handgun from his possession. Smith was subsequently charged with the murder of Evan Taylor.

University officials have stressed that, based on current evidence, there is no ongoing threat to the campus community. In statements to students and staff, university leadership expressed profound grief over the loss and highlighted the swift and effective collaboration between the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Shepherd University Police. Their coordinated efforts, aided by surveillance technology, enabled law enforcement to track and safely apprehend the suspect, preventing further harm.

The tragic death of Evan Taylor has sent shockwaves across Shepherd University and the Shepherdstown community. Students, faculty, and friends have taken to social media and local forums to share their grief, celebrate Evan’s life, and support each other during a period of immense emotional strain. Classmates describe Evan as a bright, kind-hearted, and motivated young man who brought positivity and energy to every environment he entered.

This incident has also raised concerns regarding safety in off-campus housing areas. University officials have encouraged students to remain vigilant, take advantage of campus safety resources, and utilize counseling and mental health support offered through the university. Services are being provided to those directly impacted, including friends, classmates, and residents of the University Heights Apartments, to help navigate the trauma and grief that follows such a violent event.

As the homicide investigation continues, authorities are actively processing evidence, conducting interviews, and ensuring that justice is pursued. While Evan’s life was tragically cut short, his memory will endure through the stories shared by those who knew him, the impact he made on his peers, and the love of his family and friends. The Shepherdstown community continues to mourn deeply, honoring Evan Taylor’s life while seeking to strengthen support systems for students and residents in the wake of this tragedy.

More US Obituary

1. Tragic Student Suicide Sparks Mental Health Awareness at Vancouver University

2. Fort Smith Woman, 41, Killed in UTV Rollover Crash on Highway 96