Editor’s note: This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
Update, 10:11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 26: Malik Jones was issued an active warrant for the murder of Ayanna Morgan. Jones is considered armed and dangerous.
The Bowling Green Police Department is investigating the homicide of Ayanna Morgan, a 21-year-old WKU student, which occurred at Muse Bowling Green last night.
Officers responded to Muse Bowling Green, a WKU student apartment complex, at 10:09 p.m. Sunday, July 23 for an assault in progress.
Upon arrival, officers located Morgan, who was suffering from a gunshot wound. She was transported to an area hospital and then airlifted to a Nashville trauma center. Morgan passed away early this morning.
According to the police report, Morgan was shot twice, and a man identified as a food delivery driver was attempting to help Morgan when officers arrived.
He also told police that a “navy blue Jeep Patriot” was speeding through the Muse parking lot and almost hit him and his girlfriend. They informed police that the driver looked like a woman in her mid-20s with dreads, but the vehicle was too fast to make out other details. He did not hear any gunshots when first arriving at Muse.
The police department believes Morgan was involved in a “brief struggle” prior to being shot.
Detectives and advanced crime scene processors were called to the scene and are now working to locate surveillance video and speak with residents to determine a suspect.
An active warrant was issued for Malik Jones on Tuesday, July 25 for the murder of Morgan. Jones has previous criminal charges, including handgun possession of a convicted felon and drug possession. BGPD considers Jones armed and dangerous and urges others not to approach him, but to call 911.
Jace Lux, university spokesperson, stated via email that the university lost a valuable member and encouraged individuals in need to contact the WKU counseling center.
“This morning, we lost a valuable member of the WKU family,” Lux stated. “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with her family, loved ones and friends. The death of any student in our community is painful and distressing. In the wake of this tragedy, we encourage individuals in need of counseling to contact our Counseling Center at 270-745-3159.”
Representatives at Muse Bowling Green also sent an email to residents about the investigation, stating any additional details about the case will be greatly beneficial to police efforts.
“During this heartrending time, we ask you to join us in sending your thoughts, prayers, and support to Ayanna’s family and friends,” the email stated.
Editor-in-chief Alexandria Anderson can be reached at [email protected].
