Topeka, Kansas — Early Sunday morning, two Washburn University students were the victims of an off-campus shooting.
Dwane Simmons, a junior and a member of the football team, was killed in the incident. In addition, Giants sixth-round draft pick Corey Ballentine, 23, a senior, was injured. Ballentine is expected to make a full recovery.
“Any time we lose a student it is a sad occasion, but it is particularly poignant to lose a student through such a senseless act,” the University said in a statement. ” Both Dwane and Corey have been great examples and representatives of the football team and of Washburn University in general. This was a terrible way to end a day which should have been a day of celebration and a day to look forward to Dwane’s upcoming year at Washburn and the beginning of Corey’s professional career.”
The New York Giants said in a brief statement, “We are aware of the tragic situation and continue to gather information. We have spoken to Corey, and he is recovering in the hospital. Our thoughts are with Dwane Simmons’ family, friends and teammates and the rest of the Washburn community.”
No arrests have been made in the shooting and circumstances surrounding the crime were unknown.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Topeka Police Criminal Investigation Bureau at 785-368-9400 or Shawnee Co. Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007.
