Las Vegas, Nevada — A former professor who inflicted a deadly attack at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), killing three faculty members, had both oxycodone and erectile dysfunction medication in his system, a Clark County coroner’s report revealed. The assailant, identified as 67-year-old Anthony Polito, was pronounced dead following a police shootout during the incident that occurred in early December.
Polito, previously a tenured associate professor at East Carolina University, had unsuccessfully sought employment at UNLV numerous times before the attack. According to coroner’s findings, oxycodone was measured at 15 nanograms per milliliter in his blood, amidst other substances linked to erectile dysfunction treatment.
On December 6, Polito entered the campus and shot dead three professors, Dr. Jerry Cha-Jan Chang, Dr. Patricia Navarro Velez, and Dr. Naoko Takemaru, while injuring a fourth. The loss has deeply affected the university community, bringing forth discussions on campus security and mental health resources.
Investigations show that Polito harbored more sinister intentions, as he carried a laminated index card listing additional names and room numbers of potential targets. These details suggest a premeditated plan, which was fortunately halted by his encounter with the police.
Polito’s past at East Carolina University was marred by allegations of inappropriate behavior towards students. Reports surfaced of unwelcome sexual comments, with at least two students formally accusing him of misconduct. His tenure there ended in 2017 under a shadow of controversy, following the escalation of such complaints.
The implications of Polito’s actions extend beyond immediate safety concerns, influencing ongoing dialogues about the measures needed to prevent similar tragedies. The interaction of personal issues, such as those hinted by the presence of prescription drugs, with the targeting of academic staff raises complex issues regarding university hiring practices and employee monitoring.
The coroner’s report indicates that Polito sustained six gunshot wounds during the engagement with law enforcement officers, which contributed to his death at the scene. The police response and subsequent investigation have been commended for their swift action, potentially preventing further loss of life.
This tragic event underscores the critical need for comprehensive strategies that address security, mental health, and the safeguarding of educational environments. In response, local authorities and the university administration have pledged to review and enhance safety protocols to ensure the welfare of all campus constituents.
As the community mourns, questions remain about the factors that drove Polito to commit such an atrocity and whether any signs could have been spotted earlier. The university, law enforcement, and healthcare professionals continue to dissect the incident in hopes of better understanding and ultimately preventing future occurrences.