Kevin Jiang, 26, was found with several gunshot wounds on Saturday.
A Yale University graduate student described by officials as someone who wanted to use his education to “improve the world” was found shot dead near New Haven, Connecticut, on campus and police said he was investigating whether he was the target.
New Haven Police Chief Otoniel Reyes identified the student killed on Monday as Kevin Jiang of West Haven, 26, and asked the public for help in identifying and capturing his killer.
Jiang was a former member of the Army National Guard and a sophomore at the Ivy League University School of Environment.
“The Yale community is suffering now. This is the loss of an extraordinary young man. He was committed to applying his talents to improve the world, “Yale President Peter Salovey said at a news conference on Monday.
Reyes said the police received several calls to 911 at 8:30 pm on Saturday and responded to the East Rock neighborhood, several blocks northeast of the university, where they found Jiang suffering from several gunshot wounds. He said Jiang was pronounced dead at the scene.
“We are investigating whether Mr. Jiang was actually shot during this incident,” said Reyes. “We have developed information that suggests that this incident may not have been an actual random act, that it was, in fact, the target.”
Reyes said the police are also investigating whether Jiang was shot after a traffic accident.
He said that Jiang was operating a vehicle at the time of the shooting and that he knew the area where the murder occurred, but Reyes did not say whether Jiang was in or out of his car when he was killed.
“We believe he was there for a purpose. We just can’t share that right now, ”said Reyes, adding that the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration and Yale University Police Department are helping with the investigation.
“We are exploring all possibilities, including whether or not there was an accident that precipitated this incident or whether or not it was roadside violence,” said Reyes.
Salovey said that in addition to his studies, Jiang volunteered at a homeless shelter cooking and distributing food. He said Jiang was also conducting research on fish mercury levels in the Quinnipiac River basin and helped manufacturers comply with local and federal environmental laws.
“Kevin gave a lot to this community and we work together. We remember him fondly. We feel for your family, your bride and express our condolences to them, “said Salovey.” This is a tragedy that has hurt us all. In the coming days, I hope that we can focus on each other’s well-being and support each other. “
Jiang’s death marks the sixth homicide in New Haven this year, police said. In 2020, New Haven recorded 122 shootings and 20 homicides, up from 77 shootings and 11 homicides in 2019, according to Reyes.