Ex-Security Guard Charged With Murder in Deadly Shooting of Dean at Spartan College

A former security guard was charged with the murder of the dean of the Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology in Inglewood, the district attorney's office announced Tuesday.

40-year-old Jesse Figueroa, who used to work at the school, was also charged with attempted murder for shooting and injuring another employee during the same incident on May 2.

“Every student, faculty member, and staff should feel protected when they come to campus,” stated District Attorney Hochman. “This appalling incident of firearm violence has deeply disturbed Spartan College as well as our whole community. In this case, we will pursue all relevant firearms-related charges with the aim of sending an unequivocal message to lawbreakers that acts of violence won’t be condoned within Los Angeles County.”

Figueroa is charged with one felony count of murder; one felony count of attempted murder; one felony count of possession of firearm with prior violent convictions; and one felony count of possession of firearm by a felon with prior convictions.

If found guilty as alleged, he could be sentenced to up to life in state prison.

The family recognized the cherished college dean as Dr. Cameisha Clark in a statement.

The statement expressed, “We are utterly heartbroken. An incomprehensible act of brutality robbed Comesha’s life from us prematurely, an ordeal no woman ought to face.” It continued, “Each day she filled our world with her kindness, joy, and elegance. Her mere existence was a blessing; now, the emptiness we feel cannot be measured.”

Clark had just been promoted to dean at Spartan College, according to her family. Before then, she worked at the Clark Atlanta University campus in her hometown of Atlanta, Ga.

The statement read, “Her guidance, honesty, and strong sense of mission played a crucial role in shaping the destinies of numerous pupils.” It also mentioned, “Even when individuals were unable to recognize their own capabilities, she had faith in their possibilities.”

The deadly shooting occurred approximately at 3:45 p.m. on Friday within an office building situated on the campus at 8911 Aviation Boulevard. Video footage from AIR7 displayed a significant law enforcement presence outside the educational institution during the hunt for the shooter.

As Figueroa used to be a security guard at the school, law enforcement officials were familiar with both him and the car he was driving. This same vehicle was seen in Koreatown several hours following the incident.

Figueroa was apparently wearing his security uniform during the shooting.

Butts described the shooting as an incident of workplace violence. The two women, including Clark, are employees of the school, he said.

Both individuals were admitted to the hospital, and by Sunday morning, one of them was in a stable condition.

A security lockout was imposed on the campus, but it was subsequently removed when law enforcement concluded that Figueroa had left the area.

A cellphone video obtained from the car rental parking lot located just opposite the college depicts emergency personnel transporting one of the wounded females away from the scene.

Many students and faculty members at the aviation institution underwent interviews with investigators as law enforcement attempted to grasp what precipitated the incident.

The motivation behind the shooting remains unknown.

The campus president Chris Becker informed Eyewitness News that although they prepare for nearly all types of emergencies, Friday’s shooting took everybody by surprise.

"Our primary focus at our aviation school is safety," Becker stated.

He mentioned, 'We all get along great. We have deep affection for each other, but this situation is tough on everybody.'

Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology boasts campuses nationwide. The one in Inglewood can house up to 500 students and provides educational courses centered around aviation maintenance technology, as stated on their site.

It is approximately one mile away from Los Angeles International Airport.

ABC News and the Associated Press provided material for this report.