Univ. of Alabama Shooting Victims

Univ. of Alabama Shooting Victims

Univ. of Alabama Shooting Victims Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Feb. 12, 2010.
We invite you to share condolences for those killed in shootings at the University of Alabama-Huntsville on February 12, 2010.

To view profiles and share condolences for individual victims, please visit: UAH Tragedy Legacies.

To share a general message of condolence, please click here.

From Huntsville Times reports, reprinted with permission:

HUNTSVILLE, AL -- Students and supporters of the University of Alabama in Huntsville are leaning on each other as they heal from the devastating triple murder during a biology faculty meeting on Friday, Feb. 12, 2010.

Dr. Amy Bishop, 45, is charged with capital murder in the shooting deaths of her colleagues -- Dr. Gopi Podila, Dr. Maria Ragland Davis and Dr. Adriel Johnson -- and is being held in the Madison County Jail.

Hundreds of faculty, students and friends gathered for a prayer vigil at the UAH University Center, in northern Alabama, on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010, reciting prayers for peace from five different religions, singing "Let There Be Peace on Earth," and reading a statement from the student body in support of UAH faculty members.

All classes, sporting events and university activities are canceled this week.

"UA Huntsville is a resilient institution," said university president Dave Williams, who spent all day Saturday at Huntsville visiting with friends and family of three other UAH employees injured in the shooting.

"We will face this tragedy together, will learn from this experience and we will emerge with strength and confidence."

Dr. Luis Rogelio Cruz-Vera was released from the hospital on Saturday. Dr. Joseph Leahy and biology department assistant Stephanie Monticciolo remain in critical condition.

Saturday, Feb. 13, 2010, three female students gathered at the flagpole near the UAH Shelby Center and wrote the messages, "Proud to be a Charger!" and "God Bless UAH" in chalk on the concrete expanse.

Follow complete coverage of the tragedy, memorial and funeral plans and developments in the investigation: http://topics.al.com/tag/UAH%20shooting/index.html

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March 16, 2016

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February 24, 2015

Beverly F posted to the memorial.

May 20, 2010

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213 Entries

March 16, 2016

Will always remember the ones who lost their lives. May you have peace. John 14:27

Beverly F

February 24, 2015

My condolences to the families and friends of this tragic event.

Inma Vallejo

May 20, 2010

I will always remember your kind smile and sweetness. Inma Vallejo (University of Cadiz, Spain)

rosibel roman

February 20, 2010

I feel so struck by what has happened to your loved ones, your professors, your staff, members of your community - no one deserves to have something like this happen to them. Your grief and pain at this time is unimaginable, and I can only pray that you will be strong enough to uphold the beloved memories of those who have passed on, and your love for them will keep you through this extremely anguished time. Let us remember the light they shared with the world, the wisdom and knowledge they passed on to students, no one can take these things away. My heart is with them and with you through this...

Luann Mc

February 19, 2010

We are so sad, our family is praying that the families involved may heal with time and that they may be able to find peace in their lives again, and later on, joy in lives again. May God to wrap you in his arms, and grant you peace and rest. You are in our thoughts and prayers, every part of every day. Our family will continue to pray for you, as time goes by.

Deborah & William Leach

February 19, 2010

My son and I visited UAH twice during his college search 3 years ago. Although he ultimately chose another school, we were impressed by the college, faculty & students we met. Our condolences and prayers go out to the families, faculty and students.

Phil & Maribeth Stevenson

February 19, 2010

All of us over here in Florence, and at UNA, are praying for you and keeping you all constantly in our thoughts.

yolanda wilbanks

February 19, 2010

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

The Andersons

February 19, 2010

God Bless you and your families...The nations thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Sharon Carroll

February 19, 2010

My son graduated from UAH in December and our hearts and prayers go out to the faculty, students, and especially the victims, and the families of the victims. This tragedy hit so close to our lives, but I cannot even imagine its affects on the families and friends of the victims. May God Bless you all with His peace and mercy.

Sandra Christensen

February 19, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and faculty on the loss of their loved one and those injured. There never is an answer for what happened but know they will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace with our Lord.

L Reed

February 19, 2010

May each family find comfort in these words:
God He is near to those that are broken at heart;
And those who are crushed in spirit he saves.
He is healing the brokenhearted ones,
And is binding up their painful spots.

Robert Rockwell

February 19, 2010

It is a hard enough world with out having to worry if everyone and yourself are in harms way by getting killed or someone else ..

February 19, 2010

It is a hard enough world with out having to worry if everyone and yourself are in harms way by getting killed or someone else the same.

Rrobert Rockwell

February 19, 2010

It is a hard enough world with out having to worry if everyone and yourself are in harms way by getting killed or someone else the same.

Renee Skudra

February 19, 2010

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

susanna patterson

February 18, 2010

i am so sorry for the loss of these wonderful people. my love goes to the family and friend of all involved

Elaine Garcia

February 18, 2010

Words can't possibly describe how sorry I am for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with the familes of the victims, and with the faculty and staff of UAH. Every day is precious, and we Alabamians can never repay your dedication to shaping the future of our state.

Pastor Derrick K. Nelson

February 18, 2010

Because Jesus cares we're comforted, Because he loves we're never alone. We the Pastor and the entire Rocky Mt. Church family, we share your loss and send you our deepest sympathy and love.

Humbly Yours
Pastor Derrick K. Nelson

February 18, 2010

May God be with the family, staff and faculty of UAH; you will all be in our prayers and thoughts in the days & weeks to come.
Scott & Tammy Terry & Lexi, Moulton, AL

Dr. Dan Osborn

February 18, 2010

My thoughts and prayers go with the family, faculty and staff of the UAH shooting victims.

Rozalind Simon

February 18, 2010

On behalf of the Tennessee State University Alumni I extend our deepest sympathy to the families, students and colleagues of those lost in this terrible tragedy. We continue to pray for your healing and for restoration for those injured.

February 18, 2010

My family and I want to express sympathy to the families of the victims and know that our prayers are with the faculty, staff and students.

`Vanessa, Chicago, IL

JandC

February 18, 2010

I am a UAH Alumnus 1999; my wife 2004. We enjoyed are experience at UAH. We are devastated. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families. Go Chargers and God Speed!

February 18, 2010

May God canopy each family and loved one with His never ending peace, grace and mercy during this difficult time.

D. DeMonia

Meera Venkatachalam

February 18, 2010

My deepest sympathies and condolences to all the families of those who died and those who are still hospitalized. May God bless and heal their families! My heart goes out to the children who have lost their parent! Their spirit and love will be with you forever!!

R G

February 18, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with the UAH community ...

February 18, 2010

we pray for you and your familys GOD will take care of you all at this time and always his grace and mecry is around you

Lisa Love

February 18, 2010

My thoughts & prayers are with the families, faculty, staff & students during this sad, sad time in our community.

February 18, 2010

Our God is the God of all comfort who comforts us in our distresses. He hates violence and those who resort to it but He loves those who seek peace and persue it. He comforts us with the resurrection of the dead and life eternal on a paradise earth

Helen Possemato

beemer

February 17, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with each person and family members. The victims and the perpertrator's family. God give you comfort and healing through HIS son JESUS and surround you with HIS angels in the days ahead.

Sarah Meadows

February 17, 2010

I really enjoyed my classes with Drs. Johnson and Leahy back in 2001. My thoughts are with all the families, but especially with Dr Leahy who's in the hospital. I hope that, while things won't be the same, the department is able to heal and continue to thrive just as it did when I was there. Love all you guys!

Nellie Davis

February 17, 2010

Sharing you pain & loss at this sad & difficult time. Lean on & help each other to move forward, together forward - as we have done in the past 2 yrs here at NIU.

SHERYL SPIDELL

February 17, 2010

I'M PRAYING FOR EACH FAMILY. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO PROVIDE COMFORT TO EACH FAMILY.

Barb & Tom Layton

February 17, 2010

Our thoughts and are with you. May the words in Psalms 145:18,19 bring you hope and comfort.

February 17, 2010

May you find comfort in the scriptures that will help to ease the pain of such a senseless and violent act. (John5:28,29, Isaiah 41:10, 13)

~Joyce Harris, Atlanta, GA

Rose

February 17, 2010

I'm so sorry to hear of such a loss. May the families of the victims find comfort in the words of Isaiah 61:2 in the days ahead.

Susie Hall, RN

February 17, 2010

Our prayers are with your facutly, staff, and students.

Cooley Family

February 17, 2010

Please accept our deepest sympathies.
We pray that the God of all comfort will give you
strength, peace and hope during this devestating
and difficult time. Revelation 21:3,4.

Betty Terry

February 16, 2010

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

D. Magby

February 16, 2010

"God Bless the victims and their families"

UAHuntsville Staff

February 16, 2010

We (UAHuntsville) must continue to comfort each other through these trying times. We are sadden by the deaths of Dr. Maria Davis, Dr. Adriel Johnson, Sr., and Dr. Gopi Podila and will miss them all dearly. My prayers and thoughts to their families. I pray the lord bless Dr. Cruz-Vera, Dr. Leahy and Steffi with a full and speedy recovery and send them back to UAHuntsville. Dr. Davis, Dr. Johnson and Dr. Podila will forever be with us at UAHuntsville. There will be trying times ahead for everyone touched by these events and those who witnessed the tragedy should not feel guilt or remorse. Your courage prevented what could have been even more devastating to the Huntsville and UAHuntsville Community. God bless and keep the families and know that we (UAHuntsville) will always be here for you.

Sherrie& Fred Townsend

February 16, 2010

May God give you solice in your hour of need we all are praying for you.

February 16, 2010

I AM SORRY TO READ ABOUT YOUR LOSS AT THIS TIME WITH HEARTFELT SYMAPHY I SEND YOU THESE WORDS. REVELATION 21:4-5 AND ALSO JOHN 5:28-29.

February 16, 2010

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Joseph & Lezeria Marsh

February 16, 2010

Our God is a good God,continue to comfort one another and know that God is able.

Peggy Tuck

February 16, 2010

My deepest sympathies to the families. We are reminded that truly time and unforseen occurences befall us all. Please remember that there is a God who cares and takes note of what we suffer (1 Peter 5:7)

LINDA fullington

February 16, 2010

god give you all peace and his comfort

February 16, 2010

My heartfelt condolences to family, friends and colleagues of the victims. We live in times that are critical and hard to deal with (2nd Tim. 3:1). May God grant you peace and guard your heart (Philip. 4:7) through this difficult situation in your life. You are in my prayers.

Katherine Kunkle

February 16, 2010

A fitting tribute to these wonderful people who are no longer with us would be that we pray for the day when people stop resorting to violence to express their anger and disenchantment. Heartfelt sympathy to all who knew and loved them.

February 16, 2010

My deepest sympathy goes out to all the families. May God give you peace and comfort during your hour of grief.
Doreen White (Columbus,Ohio)

Sarah Haertel

February 16, 2010

I'm so sorry for the family members who are now grieving for their lost loved ones, and I hope that those injured will be able to recover and rejoin their family members.

Melanie Richard

February 16, 2010

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Teresa Jenkins

February 16, 2010

May God continue to bless you all at your time of this lost. I hope and pray that your families will continue to take one day at a time. Blessings MD

February 16, 2010

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all families involved during this trying time. May God's ever present love and peace comfort and keep you.

Sincerely,
Darlene/Rice University/Houston, TX

Donnie Corbett

February 16, 2010

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Margaret Koehler

February 16, 2010

I pray that you will find strength by trusting in God to help in this difficult time. I also hope that you will be comforted in knowing there are those who are praying for you.

Fellow Educator

February 16, 2010

Words cannot express the emotions of this tragedy. May God hold you in his protective armor and give you peace in this time sorrow. My prayers and thoughts are with you.

Balla singh

February 16, 2010

Words don't really justify the loss of a dear one. However, they do provide a means for all of us to share your grief. Please remember that you are not alone and all our prayers and wishes will be with you always.

February 16, 2010

Many cry out with great sorrow as they mourn the loss of their loved ones. Although your deep pain will not easily disappear, be assured that your tears are not unnoticed by the Creator of life. May the "Father of tender mercies" and the "God of all comfort" strengthen your faith and give you courage to face the days ahead. I am very sorry for your loss.

February 16, 2010

My deepest sympathies to all who are suffering from this unspeakable tragedy. For those seeking counseling or comfort, I highly recommend the Huntsville Homicide Survivors Program (Family Services Center). They remain a tremendous resource for me in my continuing grief over losing a loved one from a brutal and senseless murder.

Keysha Harrison

February 16, 2010

My deepest sympathies go out to the families of the University of Alabama during your time of great loss. May the words found at Isaiah 61:2 bring you comfort.

Perry Jeannie

February 16, 2010

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Justin Kuryliw

February 16, 2010

NIU has you in our thoughts and prayers, you are not alone. Charge on!

February 16, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Jeanne Bedwell

February 15, 2010

My deepest sympathy to the families of the professors, their friends, their students, the university and to the community.

Girish Kotwal

February 15, 2010

I am just a fellow academician who is well aware of what and dedication for distinguished academicians like Drs Davis, Johnson and Podila to reach the Zenith of their careers and to become scientific leaders in their chosen field that it is such a stunning loss for the University of Alabama. May these great professors continue to inspire generations to come of students at the University and may they serve as role models for students aspiring to take and guide the path of discovery. My condolences cannot even begin to scratch the surface of the deep sorrow and hurt that the families of these warriors at the frontier of science will have to endure but I offer them with humuility and sincerity

February 15, 2010

We would like to extend our condolences to all the families who suffered a loss during the tragedy at the University of Alabama. I know God will bless and keep you all just hold on to his unchanging hands.Louis T and family Franklinton,NC

February 15, 2010

We would like to extend our condolences to all the families who suffered a loss during the tragedy at the ?University of alabama Hold on to God's unchanging hands he will bring you all through Louis T and family Franklinton,NC

James Marrs

February 15, 2010

My sincere condolences to all the victims' family and friends. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks for the service to science education and humanity that these UAH faculty members provided during their outstanding careers.

James Marrs, PhD
Associate Professor of Biology

henry alderton

February 15, 2010

an unfathomable tragedy, sympathy and condolences

James Millsaps

February 15, 2010

Condolences to all the families involved in this tragic killing. May God Bless you and comfort you during this time of sorrow.

Jennifer Baxter

February 15, 2010

I'm a student at U of A and can only imagine how it would feel to loose a beloved teacher and friend. My condolences to the family's of the victims. May God be with you in your time of mourning.

February 15, 2010

To the UAH Community:
UAH feels like a second home to me and this crime feels like a deep betrayal to my family. So to my academic family, I hope you begin to heal. Salaam ualaikum.
Sonja & Farid Mushahid

Alison Levson

February 15, 2010

My deepest sympathies for all the families. My heart cries for your loss. This is also a great loss for me, also. I pray for you in this time.
Student, Biology Department, UAH

Sucheta Joshee

February 15, 2010

My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost such wonderful members. I will always cherish Dr. Gopi Podila as a dear friend. My prayers for all of them and their families....
Sucheta Joshee (Auckland, New Zealand)

Claire Pisapia

February 15, 2010

This is such an unspeakable, terrible loss. My heart goes out to all the victims, their families, students, and friends.

shannon moles

February 15, 2010

our hearts and prayers are with the families of the victims.

Anita Belcher

February 15, 2010

This is such a tremendous and tragic loss. My heartfelt sympathy and prayers go out to the families of the deceased and to the critically injured. May God be with all of you. As a staff member at UAB, I had occasion to work with Dr. Adriel Johnson via the LSAMP Program and he was always the nicest man. Always had a kind word or was willing to share a laugh. Words cannot express my sorrow for your loss.

February 15, 2010

I am very sorry for your loss. At times like these, nothing seems to help, but know that there is someone who is always available to hear your distressing feelings and circumstances. God gives us the peace of mind needed to live each day accordingly.---Philippians 4:6,7.

Ben & Jane Bloemetjie

February 15, 2010

Our sincere comiserations with the families and loved ones of the three victims. May their many valuable memories comfort you.

Patricia Eisenberg

February 15, 2010

As a former student, I am shocked and sorry to hear of the loss of these dear faculty members. It is written, "God is close to the broken-hearted." My thoughts and prayers are with grieving families, friends, and students.

P Goods

February 15, 2010

Words may seem very hollow right now, but remember earth has no sorrow that Heaven can not heal. May God keep the families and friends of all the victims and bring them comfort and peace during this tragedy.

maria

February 15, 2010

when tragedy strikes and takes the life of our loved ones, may cry out with great sorrow. Your tears are not unnotice by our heavenly father. Although your deep pain will not easily disapear prayer to God will bring comfort to you as you grieve. The Bible assures us "God is healing the broken hearted ones , and is binding up their painful spot". My deepest sympathy

Barbara Sandridge

February 15, 2010

so sorry for your loss of your loved ones.just wanted you to know that i care and that you are in my thoughts and prayers.Barbara Sandridge

Larry Weas, NIU Ed. D. Doctoral Student

February 15, 2010

To the faculty, staff, and students my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sue NIU alumna

February 15, 2010

I just went to the memorial service commerating the shootings here at NIU which happened 2 years ago. My heart goes out to everyone at your campus concerning your loss...this was mentioned during the memorial service.

February 15, 2010

My heart goes out to your university and community. I too was on a campus when a senseless and tragic shooting took place and you are in my thoughts.

Shirley&Jerry Murphy

February 15, 2010

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Cathy Walker, NIU Staff and Alumna

February 15, 2010

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Barbara NIU alumna

February 15, 2010

Yesterday, as a staff member of Northern Illinois University, I went to the commemoration of the second anniversary of the shootings here. We stood in silent solidarity with your campus community and sent healing thoughts and prayers to you in your time of sorrow and shock.

February 15, 2010

In a terrible time like this I hope the families of the victims can draw comfort from God's word where he promises to end tears, pain and death in Revelation 21:4. My deepest sympathy.

February 15, 2010

The bible promises that there will be a resurrection of the righteous and the unrighteous {Acts 24:15}. Which is a hope we can all look forward to and these difficult and painful times. Isaiah 65:17

J Santacaterina

February 15, 2010

You are all in our thoughts and we carry you in our hearts. May you find solace and comfort in one another.

Robert Ware

February 15, 2010

my best friend here at blue ridge school in Virginia is a family member of one of the victims that was murdered. please keep him in your prayers for my friend julian ragland is truly shocked and does not know what to feel. God Bless.

R. Kohli

February 15, 2010

God bless the University of Alabama community and the families and loved ones of those lost. May you find comfort and peace in your memories, and may you find strength to move forward together.

Nancy

February 15, 2010

My heart goes out to you as you cope with this senseless tragedy. I hope you find comfort in knowing that others share your grief and sorrow. May you come together as a school and community and find the strength to move forward.

February 15, 2010

We now know who the victims were in this sad and senseless incident. My heart goes out to all the victims and families who loss loved ones in death. Remember that God cares for us all (1 Peter 5:7), and he will fulfill his promise at Revelation 21:3, 4.

A. Ramsey John 5:28,29)

February 15, 2010

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

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March 16, 2016

Someone posted to the memorial.

February 24, 2015

Beverly F posted to the memorial.

May 20, 2010

Inma Vallejo posted to the memorial.