The State Bureau of Investigation has confirmed the identity of the man shot and killed during a mass shooting at Elizabeth City State University over the weekend.
On April 27, 2025, a tragic mass shooting occurred at Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) in North Carolina, resulting in the death of a 24-year-old Isaiah Caldwell. The incident took place around 12:30 a.m. during Yard Fest, the final event of the university’s weeklong Viking Fest celebration.
Tragedy at ECSU
Isaiah, who was a part of the Fall 2021 class – Great Dane Chapter, was enjoying the festivities—fellowshipping and bonding with fellow students—when individuals unaffiliated with the university engaged in gunfire on campus. In the course of this reckless act, Isaiah was struck in the crossfire. Despite emergency efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.
Among the injured were four individuals who sustained gunshot wounds, including three ECSU students. Two additional students were hurt during the ensuing chaos. Fortunately, none of the injuries were considered life-threatening, and all victims received medical treatment at a local hospital.
Investigation and Support
In response to the shooting, ECSU implemented a campus-wide lockdown and issued a shelter-in-place order, which was lifted later that day. The university has since increased police patrols and restricted access to certain areas of the campus. The investigation is ongoing, with ECSU Police collaborating with the Elizabeth City Police Department, Pasquotank and Camden County Sheriff’s Offices, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.
The university community has expressed profound sorrow over the incident, describing it as a “senseless act.” Support services have been made available to students and staff affected by the tragedy.
Authorities are urging anyone with information, photos, or videos related to the shooting to come forward to assist in the investigation.
ECSU Counseling Services is available at Mickey L. Burnim Fine Arts Center. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to seek support if they are experiencing trauma or distress. Immediate and after-hours counseling services are available by calling 252-335-3275.
