Crime
Victim killed in ECSU shooting identified as 21-year-old Isaiah Caldwell
It is with profound sorrow and heartfelt sympathy that we inform you of the untimely passing of our beloved brother, Isaiah Caldwell (Fall 2021 – Great Dane Chapter).
Isaiah’s life was tragically cut short due to a senseless and indiscriminate act of gun violence during Elizabeth City State University’s Viking Fest celebrations.
On the evening of Saturday, April 26, 2025, Isaiah was simply enjoying the festivities—fellowshipping and bonding with fellow students—when individuals unaffiliated with the university engaged in gunfire on campus.
In the course of this reckless act, Isaiah was struck in the crossfire. Despite emergency efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.
Shortly before midnight, the Elizabeth City Police Department issued an emergency alert advising students and residents to shelter in place following reports of shots fired near Bias Hall.
At the time, hundreds of students and alumni had gathered at the Quad for the final day of Viking Fest, which included the ECSU Blue and White Vikings Spring Football game.
In total, three students sustained gunshot wounds to the legs and/or abdomen and were transported to the hospital for treatment.
Tragically, Isaiah Caldwell was pronounced deceased upon arrival.
Community members have shared accounts of the frightening experience. Victoria Lewis, speaking with Channel2 NOW, described how her daughter and grandson were near the scene. Her daughter and friends managed to find shelter, while her grandson narrowly escaped by running in the opposite direction. Thankfully, they both are safe.
The Elizabeth City State University Police Department, Elizabeth City Police Department, Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office, Camden County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) are actively investigating the shooting.
Authorities have confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the campus community.
As a precaution, ECSU Police have increased patrols, and access to the center of campus remains restricted as of Sunday.
In a statement, university officials expressed their deep sadness over this tragic event, extending thoughts and prayers to the victims, their families, and the entire Viking community.
ECSU Counseling Services will be available today, Sunday, April 27, 2025, starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Mickey L. Burnim Fine Arts Center.
Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to seek support if they are experiencing trauma or distress. Immediate and after-hours counseling services are available by calling 252-335-3275.
In light of recent events, Bedell Dining Hall will be closed today. Breakfast will be delivered directly to residence halls beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Lunch will be available from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m., and dinner from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., both served at the K.E. White Graduate Center. Shuttle services will be provided for students as needed.
Anyone with information related to this incident is strongly encouraged to contact University Police at 252-335-3266.
Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
As we mourn the loss of Isaiah, we ask that you keep his family, friends, and fraternity brothers in your thoughts and prayers during this unimaginably difficult time.
Crime
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subject’s vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.