SU mourns the loss of two students to violence

BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) - The mood at Southern University was somber Tuesday. Students are trying to cope with the recent loss of not one but two of their own.

The latest victim, Ferdinand Dorsey Jr., 24, was shot to death Monday night at the Palisades Apartments near campus around 9:30 p.m. In a show of solidarity, students wore black Tuesday. Many called the deaths of Dorsey and Sheena Barnett, 26, senseless.

Millie Dorsey was held tightly as she sobbed while making her way to a nearby bench during a memorial held by students. The mother of three was mourning the death of her oldest son, a criminal justice major at Southern.

Gathered at the student union wearing black and bearing a heavy burden, students said they can't believe Dorsey, also known as "Yung Ferd," was killed.

"Anyone who knew Ferd knew he was a part of the heart and soul of the campus," said Jeremy Creer. "He knew everyone and everyone knew him."

Dorsey's mother said his popularity was evident by the turnout at the memorial. She added students also gathered, confused and frustrated, the night of the deadly shooting.

"The campus is hurting," said Yonni Matthews. "He was a good person, about to finish school and then this happens."

The Baton Rouge Police Department said Dorsey was arguing with other Southern students on campus and the altercation carried over to the Palisades, where Dorsey was shot. His body was found lying in the walkway on the third floor of the apartment complex.

"It's like I lost a brother last night," Creer described.

He said just looking at his fellow students with their heads hung low was difficult. Dorsey's death happened on the heels of another murder. Southern undergraduate Sheena Barnett was found dead Saturday, badly beaten and partially burned in her home on GSRI.

In a statement, the university expressed its prayers and sympathy for the Dorseys, Barnett's family and the Jaguar Nation.

"It just feels like the entire emotion of the campus is down," Creer added.

Detectives reported another man was also shot Monday night at the Palisades and involved in the same altercation. He was rushed to the hospital and is expected to survive.

Investigators are urging people to contact them with any information they may have regarding either Dorsey or Barnett's deaths.

Anonymous tips can be made to Crime Stoppers by calling 344-7867.