The gunman who killed three UNLV faculty members on Wednesday sent at least 22 envelopes to educators across the country before entering the campus with a Taurus handgun and 11 ammunition magazines, according to Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill. During a press conference on Thursday, McMahill shared that one of the envelopes contained a suspicious white powder, which is currently being analyzed by the police.
The Clark County Coroner has identified two of the victims as Patricia Navarro Velez, 39, and Cha Jan Chang, 64. Navarro Velez was an associate accounting professor, while Chang was a business professor living in Henderson. The third victim’s identity has not been released pending notification of their next of kin. Both Navarro Velez and Chang had offices in Beam Hall, where the shooting initially took place, according to the university’s faculty directory.
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The shooter, identified as 67-year-old Anthony James Pulito, had applied for various positions at Nevada higher education institutions but was unsuccessful. However, McMahill did not confirm whether these rejections motivated the shooting, despite the discovery of a target list in Pulito’s apartment. McMahill mentioned that they have contacted almost everyone on the lists to ensure their safety, except for one individual who was on an international flight.
None of the victims killed were listed as targets on the shooter’s list. Two deceased victims were found on the third floor of Beam Hall, while another victim was discovered on the fourth floor. The surviving victim, who is in critical condition, is believed to have been on the fifth floor.
The campus police, joined by LVMPD officers, swiftly responded to the shooting within 78 seconds of being notified. They entered Beam Hall without hesitation and engaged in a gun battle with the suspect, who was eventually shot multiple times and apprehended. McMahill praised the officers for their heroic actions, stating they prevented a potentially larger tragedy.
UNLV President Keith Whitfield commended the campus police for their bravery and discussed plans for enhanced security measures while ensuring the university remains open to the public. The surviving victim was safely transported to Sunrise Hospital by Metro officers and Community Ambulance, potentially saving their life.
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Prior to the shooting, there were no apparent indicators of Pulito’s intentions. The Taurus handgun used in the attack was legally purchased in 2022, and Pulito had a criminal history related to computer trespass in Virginia in 1992. Police also found an eviction notice taped to his apartment door, suggesting financial difficulties.
