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The shooting that took place on Friday at Central Michigan University was no random event. James Eric Davis Jr shot his parents, James E Davis Sr, 48, and Diva Janeen Davis, 47, then fled the scene. He was a sophomore at the school. He was arrested around midnight at an area just north of the CMU campus.

His father was a National Guard veteran of 24 years, and a part-time police officer with the Bellwood Police Department. They were on the CMU campus to pick up their son for spring break. Michigan State police advised that the suspect used his father’s gun to commit the murders.

The night before the shooting, James Jr had a “bad reaction” to some drugs and was hospitalized. The nature of that reaction was not released.

The Bellwood Police Department issued this statement:

“Personally, and on behalf of Mayor Andre F. Harvey, the Village Trustees, the Bellwood Police Department, and all the residents of the Village of Bellwood, I extend my sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of James E. Davis Sr. and his wife Diva Davis on the heels of their tragic and untimely death on the campus of Central Michigan University. Since 1999 Officer Davis has admirably served as a part-time police officer in the Bellwood Police department and his contribution to a community positively impacted everyone he served and served with while we wait additional details, we will provide great counseling and other supportive services to those in need. We will also provide assistance requested by our fellow law-enforcement agencies as they were card to seek justice. May they rest in peace.” Bellwood Police Chief Jiminez Allen

The shooting at Central Michigan University today strikes close to home. A sad day in Bellwood and across the 7th District. My sincerest condolences go out to the family of Bellwood Police Officer James Davis Sr. and his wife who were shot and killed this morning. May they RIP. pic.twitter.com/B0cykAxFVv — Emanuel Chris Welch (@RepChrisWelch) March 2, 2018

His Mom had just changed careers to Real Estate Broker. She was also a breast cancer survivor.

Today i lost my parents..the only people that loved me unconditionally. I’m thankful for every single thing they’ve done for me…All i ask is for everyone to keep me an the rest of my family in your prays❤️. You don’t have to stress no more mom an dad i love you🕊❤️😞 pic.twitter.com/ab7oRkgvh7 — lexx (@itsAmoneyy) March 2, 2018

The Illinois National Guard Facebook page stated this about SFC James Davis SR:

“Our condolences to the family and friends of James Eric Davis, Sr., and Diva Davis, both of whom were killed at Central Michigan University this morning. James served in the Illinois National Guard for 24 years retiring in 2014. He deployed to Iraq with the 1244th Transportation Co. in 2003. Davis had many friends in the Illinois Army National Guard and will be missed by his colleagues and fellow Soldiers.”

According to some of the comments on the National Guard page, SFC Davis was also a recruiter and well liked by many in the Illinois Guard. These are just two of the hundreds of posts:

“Thanks for convincing me to join and made sure I was squared away my entire military career…. Thanks big Sarge!!! #Salute“

“Davis [and] I both served in the 1244th. He was always kind spirited and the quintessential soldier. He will be missed.”