May 30, 2011 – Montemorelos, Nuevo Leon, Mexico…IAD Staff
A Montemorelos University student was shot and killed minutes away from the campus yesterday. The shooting happened hours after the Seventh-day Adventist institution celebrated its 68th graduation ceremony.
Yoselin L. Perez Ramirez, 20, a second-year communications major, died of gunshot wounds after an attempted kidnapping. According to authorities, Perez was walking into a store at approximately 8:30 p.m. yesterday when she was approached and threatened. She ran away and later tracked down and shot. She was about to return to her home in Oaxaca for the summer, according to a statement made by Ismael Castillo, president of Montemorelos University.
“This is a very sad and unfortunate situation,” said Castillo in an email to staff and faculty hours after the news broke out. “Our university community mourns the loss of our student. We cling to Jesus’ promise in the Bible that ‘I am the resurrection and the life, he that believeth in me though he were dead, yet shall he live.” (John 11:25)’.”
Salvador Sepulveda, secretary of Public Security for the city of Montemorelos, said the investigation into the murder is ongoing.
“Everything points to what could be a mistake,” he said.
Perez, who was a dorm student, was baptized during a week of prayer held at the university last November. University leaders are making arrangements with municipal and government officials to transport her body to her parents, who work at an Adventist school in Oaxaca.
A memorial service for Perez was held earlier today on campus.
“We will always remember her for her good humor, bright smile and friendship, among her beautiful qualities,” stated a press release issued by Montemorelos University. “Amid the current violence that threatens our country, we are convinced that through education, our institution contributes not only to the intellectual development but promotes peace and harmony to families and society,” continued the statement.
Benjamin Garcia contributed to this report.
For more information, visit www.um.edu.mx
