University of Arizona Professor Shot Dead By Ex-Student

According to the University of Arizona Police Department, Professor Thomas Meixner, the head of the hydrology and atmospheric sciences department, was shot and killed around 2 p.m. Wednesday, October 5, 2022, at the school’s Tucson campus by an ex-student.

According to the UAPD, the shooting occurred in the school’s John W. Harshbarger Building.

“It’s a tremendously tragic event. We feel so incredibly bad for the professor’s family, friends and colleagues, and our hearts just go out to them,” University Police Chief Paula Balafas said during a press conference shortly afterwards.

The gunman allegedly fled the building after the shooting. Officers from the Arizona Department of Public Safety apprehended Murad Dervish, 46, at a traffic stop outside the town of Gila Bend at 5:10 p.m., approximately 120 miles from the murder scene.

Dervish was booked into the Pima County Jail at 6:20 p.m., according to UAPD Sgt. Sean Shields. He was charged with first-degree murder, premeditated murder, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Balafas stated that the UAPD is currently unaware of a motive for the shooting.