Manhunt launched for Conn. suspect targeting school

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Associated Press

MIDDLETOWN, Conn. — The suspect in a shooting that killed a Wesleyan University student may be targeting the university and the Jewish community, police said Thursday.

Officials said they launched a nationwide manhunt for 29-year-old Stephen Morgan.

Middletown Police Chief Lynn Baldoni said investigators uncovered a connection between him and the victim, Johanna Justin-Jinich, and said the shooting was not a random act.

"Evidence uncovered overnight suggests that Mr. Morgan may be focused on the Wesleyan University campus as well as the Jewish community," Baldoni said at a news conference. "Investigators have been in contact with Wesleyan University and leaders of the Jewish community, urging both to be extra vigilant."

She would not elaborate and did not take questions.

Justin-Jinich was shot Wednesday in the bookstore where she worked.

Authorities didn't know if Morgan was still in the Middletown area, and said he has past connections to New York, Colorado and Massachusetts.

Local police are working with Connecticut state police and the FBI, Baldoni said.