Tragedy at Spartan College: Shooting Claims Life of Dean, Sparks Outrage and Legal Action
A shooting at Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology in Inglewood, California, has left the community reeling after a former security guard opened fire, killing the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Cameisha Clark, and wounding another employee. The incident, which authorities are calling an act of workplace violence, has prompted a lawsuit from Clark's family, raising questions about security protocols and background checks at the college.
The Shooting and its Aftermath
On a Friday, the familiar sound of planes roaring overhead at Spartan College, located about a mile from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), was shattered by gunfire. Jesse Figueroa, a 40-year-old former security guard who worked at the school for 5 years, allegedly entered an administrative building armed with a handgun and shot two women.
Arriving officers found the two wounded women breathing and still conscious. They were taken to local hospitals while police searched the campus for the shooter. One of the victims, who worked in the admissions office, survived her injuries and remains in the hospital. The other victim was Dr. Cameisha Clark, who had recently been promoted to dean of student affairs, according to her family.
Figueroa fled the scene in his car but was apprehended less than three hours later in Koreatown, authorities say. Figueroa was booked into jail on Saturday in connection with the shooting.
Tragically, Clark succumbed to her injuries on Monday at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. She was 35 years old.
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The Victims
Cameisha Clark was remembered by her family as a "trailblazer and inspiration" who arrived in California several years ago to further her career. “Cameisha was the most compassionate, loving and fiercely loyal person,” her family said in a statement. “She was a radiant, joyful, driven, and compassionate woman who touched countless lives across the country from her hometown of Atlanta, GA, to LA.”Her family said her legacy should not be defined by her death but “by the extraordinary way she lived.”
Clark earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and her master’s degree and educational doctorate in higher education from Clark Atlanta University, according to the school, which recently featured her in an “alumni spotlight” post on social media. “Cameisha uplifted everyone fortunate enough to cross her path,” her family said. “Her leadership, integrity, and deep sense of purpose helped shape futures of countless students from the campus of Clark Atlanta University to Spartan College. She believed in the potential of others even when they could not yet see it in themselves.”
Loved ones say Cameisha was a rising star in her community and her field. "They've lost a good friend, caring person. A vivacious, that I keep using that word, very vivacious, fashionable, loving person," Bettye said.
“They’re very helpful, they’re always there when you need them," said Alamad, describing the two victims.
The Suspect
Jesse Figueroa has been charged with multiple felonies, including murder, attempted murder, possession of a firearm with prior violent convictions, and possession of a firearm by a felon with prior convictions. Prosecutors allege Figueroa used a handgun to cause great bodily injury or death, which could result in an additional penalty of 25 years to life in state prison for each offense due to gun sentencing enhancements. Figueroa was convicted of robbery in 2007, records show. He was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and making a criminal threat in the same case, but those charges were dismissed due to a plea deal, according to court records. Inglewood Mayor James Butts told NBC4 that one of the woman is the dean of the college.
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Legal Action and Allegations of Negligence
Clark's family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Spartan College and the security company that employed Figueroa. The lawsuit alleges that Figueroa's security guard license had expired more than a decade earlier and was not checked by either the security company or the college. Attorneys also claim that a proper background check would have revealed Figueroa's criminal history, including multiple counts of robbery in 2007.
The family is seeking a jury trial and is pursuing wrongful death, survival actions, economic, and punitive damages, as well as legal fees.
Community Response and Increased Security
Spartan College Campus President Chris Becker expressed the school's sorrow and announced that counseling services and support were being arranged for students and staff. "We are deeply saddened and upset by what transpired," Becker said over the weekend,.
Since the shooting, security has been increased at the campus, and classes remain in session. Students expressed their grief and shock, with one student, Hector, describing the situation as "really tragic."
A Legacy of Service and Inspiration
In the wake of the tragedy, Clark Atlanta University announced the creation of the Dr. Cameisha Clark Scholarship Fund to support students pursuing education, honoring her legacy as a "Triple Panther" who earned her undergraduate, Master's, and Educational Doctorate degrees from the university. A week after her death, the school announced the creation of the Dr. Cameisha Clark Scholarship Fund, which will help support students who are following Clark in studying education. The granddaughter of the former interim provost and vice president for academic affairs, Clark's life was tied to the Atlanta university. She was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and was initiated into the Alpha Pi Chapter at CAU. She was also a former CAU cheerleader.
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