Suspect turns himself in

I'm passing along the news that it appears that Stephen Morgan has turned himself in to the police:

http://www.wfsb.com/news/19393161/detail.html

Statement by Suspect's Family

Stephen Morgan's family, of Marblehead MA has issued a statement and a plea for the suspect to surrender.

The Boston Globe reported the text of the statement:

"We are shocked and sickened by the tragedy in Middletown and our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of the victim. We have been cooperating in every way possible with the authorities who are searching for Steve. We do not know where Steve is or where he might go.

We would like to send him this message via the media: Turn yourself in right now to any law enforcement agency, wherever you are, to avoid any further bloodshed. We love you, we will support you in every way, and we don't want anybody else to get hurt."

Marshals Offer Reward For Information On Shooting Suspect

(Most recent photo of Stephen Morgan, taken in 2008. Distributed by the Middletown Police Department.)

The Director of the U.S. Marshal’s Service, John Clark, has offered a $5,000 reward for any relevant information that leads to the capture or apprehension of Stephen Morgan. Additionally, Wesleyan University President Roth has authorized an additional $5,000 reward for relevant information leading to the capture of this suspect.

Courant Reports Police Questioned Suspect Immediately After Shooting

The Hartford Courant is reporting that the police questioned suspect murder suspect Stephen Morgan immediately following the shooting, but allowed him to leave after getting contact information.

The Courant also reports Morgan's car, with Colorado plates, was left behind, and so, there is the suspicion that he is still in the area.

According to the report, Morgan's journal, found in his car, revealed that he planned to rape Justin-Jinich and then go on a shooting spree on campus.

Photo of Murder Suspect

Photo of Stephen Morgan, wanted as a suspect in the murder of Johanna Justin-Jinich. Police have warned that Morgan may still be in the Middletown area.

Photo provided by Middletown Police Department.

Murder Suspect Focused on Wesleyan, Jewish Communities

In a statement to the press just before 10 AM, Middletown Police Chief Lynn Baldoni indicated that murder suspect Stephen Morgan has connections in New York, Massachusetts and Colorado.

"Additionally, evidence uncovered overnight suggest," Baldoni said reading from a written statement. "That Mr. Morgan may be focused on the Wesleyan University campus as well as the Jewish community. Investigators have been in contact with Wesleyan University and leaders from the Jewish community, urging both to remain extra vigilant."

Wesleyan President Michael Roth and Mayor Sebastian Giuliano also made statements.

Roth said: "A beloved member of our community has been brutally murdered. Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the family and friends of Johanna Justin-Jinch. This is a tragic time for them, and for all of us in the Wesleyan Community. We are deeply saddened and shocked by the event."

An update from Wesleyan Public Safety reads:

We have been informed by Middletown Police of new evidence about the suspect in yesterday’s shooting. Although he apparently had a direct link to the victim but no other connection to the Wesleyan community, we have now been made aware that he expressed threats in his personal journal toward Wesleyan and/or its Jewish students. All students are urged to remain vigilant and to stay indoors. Additional security has been deployed accordingly.

We will continue to work with authorities to ensure the safety of students on campus, and there will be increased patrols by Wesleyan Public Safety Officers and Middletown Police. At this time we continue to believe that the safest place for students is in their residences and we will provide additional information as it becomes available.

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NBC News New York Reports Victim Knew Suspect

NBC News New York is reporting that murder suspect Stephen Morgan knew slain Wesleyan student Johanna Justin-Jinich while they were students at NYU, and that Justin-Jinich had filed an aggravated harassment complaint against Morgan. It's also reported that she filed complaints against Morgan with NYU authorities.

Gunman Identified, Still At Large

The man who shot and killed Johanna Justin-Jinich, a Wesleyan junior, at Broad Street Books has been identified as Stephen Morgan, 29, who has no known association with the university.

Police are advising residents to be cautious and vigilant because Morgan, who has no been apprehended, is considered armed and dangerous.