A visitor of Marian accidentally discharged a firearm and injured himself at Caito-Wagner Hall, a freshman dorm at Marian University, on Friday, March 31, 2025, at approximately 9:30 p.m.
The incident involved two Marian University students, a male and a female, and a male visitor who was not affiliated with the university. According to Dean of Students Karen Candlish, the visitor, who was the cousin of the male student, had come to campus to play basketball. Neither Marian student was aware that the visitor was carrying a firearm.
While in a dorm room on the fourth floor, the visitor attempted to remove the firearm from his waistband before using the bathroom. During the process, the firearm accidentally discharged, and he sustained a gunshot wound to his leg.
The two Marian students immediately called 911, followed by the Marian University Police Department (MUPD) and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD). At 9:35 p.m., the female student alerted her resident assistant (RA), who quickly responded by applying pressure to the visitor’s wound using a shirt. Officer Johnson Francisco arrived at 9:40 p.m. and applied a department-authorized tourniquet before medics arrived at 9:42 p.m. The visitor was then transported to the hospital for treatment.
Following university protocol, MUPD and the housing team were notified. Jomar Seals, the area coordinator on call, was informed by dispatcher Helen Jackson and arrived at the scene promptly. Chief of MUPD David Richardson and Dean Candlish were also contacted, along with Senior Vice President for Leadership and Student Success Ruth Rodgers, Marketing and Communications representatives, and Chancellor Dr. Ken Britt. Chief Richardson and Dean Candlish arrived on campus that night to manage the situation.
IMPD secured the scene, took photographs, confiscated the weapon, and collected witness statements. The two Marian students were required to vacate the room, which was designated as a crime scene. The university’s housing team arranged temporary accommodations for the displaced students while facilities staff cleaned and restored the room.
A campus-wide Shield notification was sent to inform students that the incident was not an active shooter situation and to reassure campus safety. The female student’s family arrived to check on her well-being. She was allowed to return to her room on Saturday at 5 p.m., but opted to stay in temporary housing for an additional night before moving back on Sunday.
Dean Candlish encouraged students to reach out with any concerns. “I want the students to feel safe,” said Candlish.
“Marian University continues to emphasize the importance of campus safety and urges students to report any security concerns to MUPD.” said Candlish.
