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.
Crime
16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA — A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple University’s Student Center and TECH Center.
Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin issued a joint statement following the incident:
“The loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones.”
According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.
Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.
Although the victim’s last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.
At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.
A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individual’s involvement remains unclear.
As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.
Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.
Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.
Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.