COBB COUNTY, Ga. — The female student who was shot and killed on Kennesaw State University's campus on Saturday has been identified as 21-year-old Alasia Franklin, according to family.
School officials also confirmed the name and the family provided pictures — one of which showed her on KSU's Homecoming Court. Her father, Bobby Franklin, said that she was a rising junior pursuing a career to become a nurse practitioner.
According to the university, Alasia was shot and killed following a dispute, which occurred in front of the Austin Residence Complex on the Kennesaw Campus on Saturday afternoon.
Around 4 p.m. on Saturday, KSU Police issued a secure-in-place alert to the campus informing people of a report of an armed intruder.
By 4:43 p.m., the university's emergency management said the suspect, Samuel Harris, was no longer a threat to the campus. Harris was located off-campus and detained by Cobb County Police.
Harris is not a KSU student and has since been charged with murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. Alasia's father described Harris as an ex-boyfriend who didn't want to let her go.
'We heard these shots go off'
KSU Senior Saint Williams said he was in the Austin Residence Complex Saturday afternoon when something startled him.
"We were all just sitting there in the dorm just watching a movie," Williams said. "And then, we heard these shots go off."
Williams said he heard eight to ten shots and didn't believe it until he walked outside and saw a man near a car.
"We saw him get in his car, packing stuff up. And then, he drove off," Williams said.
He saw Alasia clinging to life, and he said he wished more was done to save her before it was too late. He was instructed not to touch her.
"She was just laying there," Williams said.
Williams said the recent violence makes him question what's being done to protect the campus. He also said women, specifically Black women, need extra protection.
"If something like that is just happening in broad daylight," Williams continued, "No, I don't think anyone should feel safe on campus."
'I feel like my heart has been ripped out of my chest'
In terms of Alasia's legacy, Bobby described his daughter as full of life, laughter and fun.
"She never gave her mother, nor I, a day of grief," Bobby said.
That was until now. Bobby said most of the family resides in south Georgia, in the Cairo and Thomasville areas. He's still coping with the loss.
"I'm at a loss for words," Bobby said.
And he said he still hasn't come to terms with it.
"I feel like my heart has been ripped out of my chest," Bobby said.
Bobby said Alasia is his first-born child and that a career in the medical field runs in the family. He also said he met Harris but had no idea Harris and his daughter had any problems.
"I never could imagine, from what I took from the young man, him being capable of doing something like this," Bobby said.
Bobby hopes his daughter's story will encourage all parents to be more involved.
"We all need to stop to make time and communicate with our children and make sure that they're safe," Bobby said.
Right now, the university is providing support and resources to those affected by this tragedy.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the victim's family and friends during this incredibly difficult time,” said KSU President Kathy S. Schwaig.
KSU Counseling and Psychological Services’ on-campus offices are open from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday.
Photos | Student shot, killed on Kennesaw State University's campus identified by family
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