Crime
Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov identified as second victim killed in Brown University shooting
Providence, R.I. — Authorities and family members have identified Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov as the second victim killed in Saturday’s mass shooting at Brown University, an attack that has left the campus and multiple communities across the country in mourning.
MukhammadAziz Umurzokov, remembered by loved ones as exceptionally kind, intelligent, and selfless, was fatally shot on December 13 during the incident inside an engineering building on Brown’s campus.
Family members described him as a young man with extraordinary ambition and compassion, who dreamed of becoming a neurosurgeon so he could dedicate his life to helping others.
“He was incredibly kind, funny, and smart,” his family said in a public statement. “He always lent a helping hand to anyone in need without hesitation and was the most kind-hearted person our family knew. He continues to be our biggest role model in every aspect of life.”
Those who knew Umurzokov said he carried himself with humility, discipline, and quiet generosity, earning deep respect from classmates, friends, and members of the broader community.
His sharp intellect and curiosity were matched by a genuine concern for others, traits that reflected both his character and the values instilled in him by his family and cultural community.
More than a gifted student, Umurzokov was a beloved son, brother, and friend, whose life was filled with promise and potential.
His death has left what family members described as an immeasurable void, not only within their household but also among friends, classmates, and the Uzbek American community nationwide.
In a statement, the American Uzbekistan Association extended its deepest condolences to Umurzokov’s family, expressing solidarity during what it called “a time of unimaginable grief,” and thanking those who have offered prayers and messages of support.
MukhammadAziz Umurzokov will be remembered for his kindness, his aspirations, and the light he brought into the lives of others.
His family has announced that any donations made in his memory will help cover funeral and related expenses, with remaining funds to be donated to charity in his name.
The other victim killed in the shooting has been identified as Ella Cook, a sophomore from Alabama, according to her church and university officials.
Cook was a parishioner at Cathedral Church of the Advent in downtown Birmingham, where she was remembered as an “incredible, grounded, faithful bright light” who consistently uplifted those around her.
During Sunday morning services, Rev. Craig Smalley told congregants that Cook’s presence had a profound impact both at her church and at Brown University.
“She was an incredible, grounded, faithful bright light,” Smalley said. “In the ways she served faithfully, encouraged others, and lifted up those around her — both here at the Advent and at Brown University — she was an incredible light in that place as well.”
The shooting occurred shortly before 4 p.m. Saturday inside an engineering building during one of the busiest times of the academic year, as final exams were underway. In addition to the two fatalities, nine people were wounded.
University officials said one student has been released from the hospital, seven remain hospitalized in critical but stable condition, and one victim is in critical condition.
Providence Police Chief Col. Oscar Perez said Sunday afternoon that no one has been charged, and the investigation remains active.
A person of interest, Benjamin Warren Erickson, who was detained at a Hampton Inn in Coventry, Rhode Island, approximately 20 miles from Providence, has since been released after investigators determined he was not involved.
Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha acknowledged that initial evidence appeared to point toward Erickson but later proved incorrect. “Sometimes you head in one direction and then you have to regroup and go in another,” Neronha said. He also criticized the premature public release of Erickson’s name, calling it “really unfortunate” and noting the difficulty of reversing such damage once information is made public.
Authorities emphasized that the gunman remains at large, and the investigation is ongoing. No further details about the suspect or victims have been released at this time.
As Brown University and the wider community continue to grieve, tributes continue to pour in for MukhammadAziz Umurzokov and Ella Cook, two young lives remembered for their compassion, promise, and lasting impact.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.