Nova Southeastern University Speaks Out After Grad Killed During Party
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MIAMI GARDENS (CBSMiami) -- Nova Southeastern University is speaking out after one of their own students was killed during a party over the weekend.
Alexandra Dean, 23, had just graduated from the university in May in her path to becoming a nurse.
On Monday, a spokeswoman for the university issued a statement saying, "Alexandra Dean was beloved by her fellow NSU students and faculty, and we extend our deepest condolences to her family. She was a good student in a tough program and had just participated in commencement ceremonies where she received her BSN degree this past May. She was preparing to take her nursing boards. Becoming a nurse was her passion."
The university has also scheduled grieving sessions for any students and faculty dealing with the loss of the athlete, musician and star student. They also may hold a vigil in her honor.
Dean was at a house party at 40 N.E. 212th Terrace around 9 p.m. Saturday when a disturbance erupted outside the home and someone opened fire. One of those shots hit and killed Dean.
Miami Gardens Police do not believe Dean was the intended victim.
Her mother, Pauline Dean, said she was in Jamaica burying her own father when her children called to tell her she needed to fly back to South Florida immediately because Dean had been killed. Now, she is preparing to bury her daughter.
"God gave me Alex for 23 years and five months,"Pauline said. "And I'm really happy spending quality time together. We did some of the best things together. We went places the other kids have never gone."
She also said she forgives whoever shot her girl but she hopes the shooter would do the right thing and turn himself in.
"She was a wonderful child. Someone had the nerve to take my child from me," said Pauline. "I wish they would be man enough to come and say, 'I did it. I'm sorry.' Every time I look at her picture it hurts way down here. There's a hole in there. I don't think it will ever be filled."
Anyone with information in the shooting is urged to call Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS. All calls are anonymous and could lead to a reward.
