NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk Police continue to investigate after they say two people were shot in the parking lot outside Broderick Dining Hall on the campus of Old Dominion University Wednesday night.
Thursday, News 3 learned the two people shot died.
Watch: ODU double fatal shooting marks deadliest on a college campus in 6 months, data shows
Also on Thursday, News 3 learned the university uses a dog to help students cope after incidents. News 3 met up with the dog, Grover, and his handler to watch him in action Thursday.
“Probably the most popular officer on the police department is the comfort dog," ODU Police Chief Garrett Shelton said.
Judging by students’ reactions, Shelton might not be wrong about that.
Watch: Students assaulted, shot fired during armed burglary: ODU Police
“I am bio-medical because I want to be a veterinarian, so it’s nice to have animals around," said ODU student Isabella Fiorelli.
Fiorelli is one student who spent time with Grover Thursday. She said the dog can help relieve anxiety after something like Wednesday night's double fatal shooting in a campus parking lot.
“It does a little. It doesn’t cure anything, but it does help," said Fiorelli.
Watch: ODU police looking for 2 people linked to sexual assault in on-campus garage
Thursday, police identified the two people shot as 18-year-old Delanio Vick and 20-year-old Timothy Williams Jr., both from Norfolk. They died after being taken to a hospital.
Norfolk police also said the two are not ODU students.
Shelton said this is the first time something like this has happened on campus since he’s been there, but it’s not the first incident of gun violence near campus.
News 3 talked with two ODU students in November 2024 who had a bullet go through their off-campus house and nearly hit one of them.
Watch: ODU students say stray bullet from overnight shooting went through their house
“All of us heard a ton of shots go off," Aaron Anderson told News 3 in November.
News 3 talked with ODU student Quinn Burritt Thursday about Wednesday night's shooting. He said he feels safe on campus but less so off of it.
“It’s been like that for three years. I wouldn’t say I feel safe," said Burritt.
Watch: 1 year after Killam Avenue mass shooting, no arrests made
He said he’s not sure what can be done, but believes the campus police are doing a good job.
“My fraternity works with them all the time and I think they do their best," Burritt said.
Even though the shooting happened on campus, Norfolk police are leading the investigation.
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Due to there being no reports of a suspect in custody Thursday, when asked Thursday afternoon for clarity Norfolk police said the investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Norfolk Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP or submit a tip through the P3Tips mobile app.
ODU's president released a statement Thursday morning in response to the shooting. It said, in part, the university is committed to keeping students safe.
Thursday evening, the president issued a second statement in response to learning the two shooting victims had died.
Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff:
Earlier today, I shared a message of care and concern for our community in the wake of a campus incident that occurred late yesterday. Since this morning’s message was distributed, the City of Norfolk Police Department released an official statement [norfolk.gov]. In that online posting, it was shared that the incident resulted in the passing of two individuals. These individuals were not Old Dominion University students, faculty, or staff.
First and foremost, the Monarch Nation expresses sincere condolences to the family members and loved ones of those who tragically passed. Additionally, we join together in calling for anyone responsible to be held accountable for their actions.
Last night’s event is troubling and produces a range of emotions based on our personal experiences. As such, our students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to make use of the wide array of resources, services, and support that are available both on and off campus.
At this time, I want to personally acknowledge the work of the University’s Police Chief Garrett Shelton, the City’s Police Chief Mark Talbot, and the men and women in their respective departments. Our University police officers arrived on the scene in seconds – not minutes. They skillfully administered first aid on the scene and thoughtfully engaged in immediate efforts to confirm no ongoing threat to our campus. The City police officers diligently worked to secure the scene and conduct an investigation. While the investigation remains ongoing with no continued threat to our campus, we are fortunate to have such dedicated and qualified personnel to serve our community and the local area.
While this recent incident gives us significant pause, it also highlights our resolve to protect our campus community through our shared commitment to support each other and the unwavering professionalism of our first responders. It is the power of our campus and the collaboration of our community that solidifies a safe learning, living, and working environment that both defines and supports all that we do to fulfill and advance our worthwhile mission on a daily basis.
