Who is Richard Sigman? Georgia prof shoots dead freshman Anna Jones, 18, after argument with another man
CARROLLTON, GEORGIA: University of West Georgia professor Richard Sigman was fired after being arrested and charged with murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime for killing a student on Saturday morning, July 30. The victim was identified as Anna Jones, 18, who was sitting in a parked vehicle when she was shot.
The 47-year-old professor got into a verbal altercation with another man at an Italian restaurant in Carrollton, according to Carrollton Police Department officials. The other man told security that Sigman threatened to shoot him, police said. Security at the restaurant saw Sigman had a weapon and told him to leave. Sigman then left and later went to a parking deck, where he fired into a parked vehicle, killing occupant Jones, officers said.
READ MORE
"The investigation then indicates Sigman walked into the parking deck and began shooting into a parked vehicle striking the victim. Friends immediately drove her to the hospital where she was pronounced deceased," Carrollton police wrote on Facebook. "This case is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Carrollton Police Department." Carroll County Jail's online records listed Sigman as "currently booked" as of midday Sunday, reports CNN. No bond amount was listed. It was not clear whether Sigman had legal representation.
Jones had recently graduated from high school. “Anna loved this school and this community and she will be missed dearly by many,” the local Mount Zion High School said in a statement to Facebook. “Please keep her family and friends in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this difficult time.” The president of the University of West Georgia issued a statement Saturday. "The University of West Georgia has learned of the loss of one of its students, Anna Jones, who passed away following an off-campus incident earlier today," President Dr. Brendan Kelly said, according to Law & Crime.
"UWG has terminated the employment of Richard Sigman and continues to work with the city of Carrollton Police Department, which leads this ongoing investigation. On behalf of the university, we wish to convey our deepest condolences to Anna's family and many friends," Kelly said. “Anna was a beautiful, sweet, caring girl and I will miss her forever. There are so many good qualities, no one could list them all. She was always so positive, and was an amazing friend to everyone,” said friend Ethan Lepard to NY Post.
A GoFundMe campaign to pay for Jones’ funeral raised $17,527 of a $7,500 as of Sunday.