On a tragic evening in East Lansing, Michigan, the life of Arielle Diamond Anderson, a 19-year-old female, was cut short. On February 13, 2023, Arielle, a sophomore at Michigan State University, was one of three students killed in a mass shooting on the university's campus. The gunman, 43-year-old Anthony Dwayne McRae, opened fire in two locations, Berkey Hall and the MSU Student Union, before taking his own life. McRae had no known affiliation with the university, and his motive remains unclear.
Arielle was a bright and compassionate young woman with dreams of becoming a pediatrician. Remembered for her infectious smile and kind heart, she was a dedicated student who excelled in her studies. She graduated from Grosse Pointe North High School and was known for her maturity and thoughtfulness. Her family described her as a 'beautiful soul' who was deeply loved. She was the niece of reality television personality Chandra Davis, also known as Deelishis.
In the wake of the shooting, Arielle's family and the community mourned the senseless loss of a promising young life. Her uncle described her as 'sweet and innocent' and a 'straight-A student.' Her family shared that she was passionate about helping others and loved children. At her funeral, Michigan's Governor Gretchen Whitmer spoke of Arielle's 'loud compassion' and how her future was 'robbed by a senseless act of violence.' Michigan State University announced that Arielle would be awarded a posthumous honorary degree.
The shooter, Anthony McRae, was found by police miles away from the university with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Prior to the shooting, he had been arrested in 2019 for carrying a loaded firearm without a concealed-weapons permit. Investigators found a note in his pocket indicating a potential threat to schools in New Jersey. As the perpetrator died shortly after the attack, there were no arrests or trial in connection with Arielle's death.
