A gunman who murdered a young student in Connecticut in the United States may be targeting the Jewish community, police announced Thursday. The killer, 29-year-old Steven Morgan, escaped after shooting his victim, 22-year-old Johanna Justin-Jinich.
Justin-Jinich was Jewish, and was a student at Wesleyan College. The murder took place in a local bookstore. Police warned Wesleyan students to be on guard.
Police said Morgan and Justin-Jinich were acquainted, but did not say in what context the two knew each other or what might have led to the killing. Police also did not explain why they believe local Jews to be at risk.
Jewish community leaders in the town of Middletown, where Wesleyan is located, were warned to be aware of any suspicious persons in the vicinity of Jewish communal institutions.
Morgan is believed to be armed and dangerous. State police have conducted a day-long manhunt for Morgan, and have released his picture in hopes that the public can help with the search.
U.S. Federal forces are involved in the case as well.