On Sunday night, a hastily called 11 p.m. news conference announced that a man detained earlier in the day would be released. Attorney General Peter Neronha said lab tests on evidence linked to the detained man “came back negative” and that the evidence “now points in a different direction.” He added, “There is no basis to consider him a person of interest.”
Target 12 reported earlier in the day that authorities had recovered two guns in the Coventry hotel room where they detained the person of interest. The individual is a man in his 20s from Wisconsin.
Mayor’s Update and Public Safety
Mayor Brett Smiley said the authorities had no way of knowing whether the shooter remains in the Providence area. He noted that the news could cause “fresh anxiety” for residents but that there had been no credible threats since Saturday. He urged anyone with video from Hope and Waterman streets to contact the FBI at fbi.gov/brownuniversityshooting or call Providence police at (401) 272-3121.
Investigation Status
Neronha said the investigation remains active, with dozens of officers and six prosecutors working the case, but that officials were limited in what details they could share. He said, “We have not yet solved this case, but I’m confident we’re going to do that,” adding that a murderer is out there and that they would not give away the game plan. Police Colonel Oscar Perez said the investigation is complex and that authorities have been careful about what information is released.
Key Takeaways
- The person of interest released earlier in the day is no longer under investigation.
- Lab tests linked to the detained man returned negative results.
- The shooter remains at large and authorities are still pursuing the case.
The case continues to unfold as investigators seek new leads and rely on community tips to locate the individual responsible for the tragic shooting at Brown University.
Morgan J. Carter is a Texas-based journalist covering breaking news, local government, public safety, and community developments across Austin. With more than six years of reporting experience, Morgan focuses on delivering accurate, clear, and timely stories that reflect the fast-moving pulse of the city.
At newsofaustin.com, Morgan reports on everything from severe weather alerts and traffic updates to city council decisions, crime reports, and the issues shaping daily life in Austin. Known for reliable fact-checking and a strong commitment to public-interest journalism, Morgan brings readers the information they need to stay informed and engaged.
When not tracking a developing story, Morgan enjoys exploring Austin’s neighborhoods, attending local events, and connecting with residents to share the voices and experiences that define the community.
