Graduate Student Shot Police search for motive to Allston murder

The corner of Allston Street and Glenville Avenue in Allston, where the body of an unidentified BU graduate student was found. Photo by Vernon Doucette

Boston police, responding to a call from 139 Allston St. shortly after midnight, found the body of a Graduate School of Management student lying in the street in front of the house, about a mile from campus. The victim, who had been shot in the head and leg, was pronounced dead at the scene. No arrests have been made in the case, which is being investigated by the Boston Police Department and the Boston University Police Department.

The name of the student has not been released, because the victim has not yet been identified by a family member, as is required by the Boston Police. The BU community was made aware of the incident in an emergency alert, sent earlier today, which said there are no suspects.

“Our prayers go out to the family and friends of the student,” says BU President Robert A. Brown. “We are all deeply saddened by his death.”

Brown, who sent a letter expressing his concern to the BU community, says he asked Dean of Students Kenneth Elmore to provide support to any member of the community who needs it. “This appears to be an isolated incident,” says Brown. “I want to assure all students, whether they live on campus or off campus, that public safety is a priority for this institution.”

Elmore says the University is working with Boston police to increase patrols in the Allston neighborhood. “It’s important that all students on or around the BU campus make their personal safety the highest priority,” says Elmore.

Counseling is available from the Behavioral Medicine staff at Student Health Services, at 617-353-3569, and from the Religious Life staff, at 617-353-3560.

BU Today will provide more details about the shooting and the investigation as they become available.