A 19‑year‑old Shepherd University student was tragically found shot to death early on Friday morning in an off‑campus apartment in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, prompting a swift law enforcement response and a murder charge against a suspect.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office received a call around 3:38 a.m. on February 13, 2026, reporting a shooting at the University Heights Apartments on Hensel Drive. Responding deputies and emergency personnel located the young victim, identified as 19‑year‑old Evan Taylor, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds inside the apartment. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witnesses at the scene provided descriptions of a male suspect fleeing on foot, which was quickly broadcast to responding units. In a coordinated response, the Shepherd University Police Department reviewed campus surveillance footage in real time, identifying a man matching the suspect’s description entering university property shortly after the incident.
Following the movements of the suspect on camera, officers tracked him to the H Lot parking area, where he was seen entering a vehicle. Law enforcement officers detained the man in the parking lot, and during the detention recovered a loaded Glock handgun from his person. The suspect was later identified as 25‑year‑old Travis Smith and was charged with the murder of Evan Taylor.
University officials emphasized that, based on the investigation at this time, there is no ongoing threat to the Shepherd University campus community. Leaders from the university shared their condolences and grief following the tragic event, acknowledging the profound loss felt by the victim’s family, friends, classmates, and the wider campus community.
In an official statement to students and staff, university leadership said they were “heartbroken” by the loss and commended the quick — and effective — actions of both the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Shepherd University Police Department officers for their collaborative investigative work. The statement also highlighted how surveillance technology and rapid response helped in tracking and safely apprehending the suspect.
As with all violent incidents involving students or young adults, this shooting has sparked concern and sadness among community members and raised questions about safety in off‑campus housing areas. While university officials continue to offer support resources to students affected by the tragedy, local law enforcement is leading the homicide investigation with ongoing processing of evidence and interviews.
This incident comes amid a broader national conversation about gun violence and safety around college campuses, underscoring the importance of preventive measures, community vigilance, and effective law enforcement cooperation. Families of students often rely on both campus and local authorities to ensure secure environments, but unexpected tragedies like this serve as stark reminders of the unpredictable nature of violent crime.
Authorities urge anyone with additional information related to the shooting to contact the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and the university continues to provide crisis support services for students, faculty, and staff impacted by the loss.
If you or someone you know is affected by violence or trauma, reaching out to trusted adults, counselors, or support services can help in coping with difficult emotions during these challenging times.
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