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Jesse Figueroa, 40, a suspect in the shooting death of 35 year-old Cameisha
Clark, dean of the Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology in Inglewood,
was arrested on Tuesday.
A former security guard at the college, Figueroa was also charged with
attempted murder for shooting and injuring her unnamed receptionist, 37,
another employee during the same incident on May 2. The woman was
described to be in stable condition as of Sunday.
Figueroa is charged with one felony count of murder; one felony count of
attempted murder; one felony count of possession of a firearm with prior violent
convictions; and one felony count of possession of firearm by a felon with prior
convictions. He could face a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted.
The fatal shooting happened around 3:45 p.m. Friday inside an office on the
campus, located at 8911 Aviation Boulevard. The campus was on lockdown
temporarily as Inglewood police searched frantically for the gunman, whom they
knew by name and vehicle. They later discovered Figueroa had left the scene.
He was located hours later, wearing his security uniform, in Koreatown.
Clark had recently been promoted to dean, according to her family. She worked
previously at Clark Atlanta University in her hometown of Atlanta, Ga.
“We are beyond devastated. Cameisha’s life was taken from us far too soon, in
an act of senseless violence that no woman should ever have to endure,” her
family said in a statement. “She brought warmth, laughter, and grace into our
lives every day. Her presence was a gift, and the void left behind is
immeasurable.”
Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts, Jr. described the shooting as an incident of
workplace violence. It’s unclear what motivated the shooting.
The Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology has campuses across the
country. Its Inglewood location accommodates 500 students and offers training
programs focused on aviation maintenance technology, according to its website.
It is about a mile from Los Angeles International Airport.
“Any student, faculty member or employee should feel safe and secure going to
school,” said District Attorney Hochman. “This horrific act of gun violence has
shaken Spartan College and our entire community. We will file all appropriate
gun enhancements in this case and send a clear message to criminals that
violence will not be tolerated in Los Angeles County.”
