Crime
UW-Platteville shelter in place lifted, no active threat
This incident was a targeted and isolated event between the two individuals.
Latest Update: In an email to the campus community, Chancellor Dr. Tammy Evetovich identified the students as 22-year-old Kelsie Martin of Beloit, Wisconsin, and 22-year-old Hallie Helms of Baraboo, Wisconsin.
“It is with deep sadness that we mourn the loss of two UW-Platteville students, Kelsie Martin and Hallie Helms. This incident was a targeted and isolated event between the two individuals. Families of the students have been notified,” Chancellor Evetovich stated.
The incident occurred inside Wilgus Hall, a campus residence facility. UW-Platteville and local law enforcement have not yet released further details about the nature of the incident, but authorities have confirmed that it remains an active and ongoing investigation.
Officials have emphasized that there is no continuing threat to the campus community.
According to a post on Wilgus Hall’s official Facebook page, Kelsie Martin had graduated just two days prior and served as a resident director in 2024.
In response to the tragedy, the university has made mental health resources available for students and staff. UW-Platteville’s Counseling Services will offer triage counseling sessions Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additionally, a toll-free emotional support line is available at 844-602-6680 or 720-272-0004, staffed by licensed mental health professionals. The hotline will remain open overnight and will adjust its hours based on campus needs.
The university community continues to grieve as it seeks answers surrounding this devastating loss.
The shelter-in-place order has been lifted, and law enforcement has confirmed there is no active threat. However, emergency responders remain on scene, and the public is advised to continue avoiding the area around Wilgus Hall.
A UW-Platteville spokesperson stated via text that “an incident occurred in one of our residence halls.” Although the active threat has been ruled out, authorities are continuing to systematically clear buildings across campus as a precaution.
Grant County coroner called to scene.
PLATTEVILLE, Wis. — An emergency situation unfolded Monday afternoon at the University of Wisconsin–Platteville, prompting a shelter-in-place order for students, faculty, and staff.
The nature of the incident remains unclear, though multiple unconfirmed reports suggest a possible active shooter on campus.
Students and staff received an emergency alert via mobile devices instructing them to immediately shelter in place and avoid the campus area.
The alert, distributed through the university’s emergency notification system, advised individuals to remain indoors, lock doors, and await further instructions from authorities.
The Platteville Police Department has confirmed that officers have responded to the university and are currently on scene.
As of this time, there has been no official confirmation from law enforcement regarding the presence of an active shooter or any confirmed injuries.
Emily Mlinar reported that her sister is currently on campus. The initial emergency call indicated a student had sustained a gunshot wound to the head. There are unconfirmed reports suggesting up to three possible casualties.
Law enforcement officials are actively investigating the situation, and university officials are working closely with emergency personnel to ensure the safety of the campus community.
The University of Wisconsin–Platteville has urged anyone not already on campus to stay away until the all-clear is given.
Additional updates are expected to be provided as more information becomes available.
This is a developing story. Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact Platteville Police Department immediately.
Authorities have identified the man shot and killed Friday afternoon in a parking lot outside a Little Caesars restaurant in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood.
The victim has been named as Stevens Jeffrey, 29, according to police and the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The shooting occurred in the 2600 block of West Cermak Road near Rockwell Street at approximately 1:10 p.m., according to the Chicago Police Department (CPD).
Preliminary reports indicate that Jeffrey was sitting in his vehicle when he was approached by an unknown vehicle.
An armed individual exited that vehicle and opened fire, striking Jeffrey multiple times in the face and body.
Emergency responders arrived on the scene, where Jeffrey was pronounced dead. He was discovered inside his vehicle with his two young children, ages 4 and 6, who were unharmed.
Both children were transported to Stroger Hospital for precautionary evaluation.
The shooting took place in the parking lot of a Little Caesars restaurant, where investigators recovered multiple shell casings and placed numerous evidence markers on the ground.
As of Friday evening, no suspects are in custody, and detectives from the CPD Area Four Homicide Unit are leading the investigation. Police have not released information on a possible motive.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about this homicide to contact Chicago Police or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTip.com.