Ferris State University criminal justice graduate Clarence Tariq Hammond III was shot and killed in a botched robbery near his home in Madison Heights.
The shooting occurred Jan. 14 at approximately 12:30 a.m. in the parking lot of his apartment complex. Graduating in 2001, 33-year-old Hammond worked as a state prison corrections officer.
Hammond, who died of a gunshot wound to the head, was reportedly in uniform during the time of the shooting.
Matt Chaney, director of the Office of Multicultural Student Services, said Hammond was a student who strived to become a better person. A mentor to Hammond, Chaney said a number of FSU alumni are expressing condolences to Hammond’s family.
“It’s been an outpouring of love. It’s touched a lot of people. He was an outstanding young man,” Chaney said.
While at FSU, Hammond was an employee at the Office of Multicultural Student Services and a member of Black Greek Council. He also helped found the Iota Phi Theta Colony at Ferris State University.
The suspect remains at large. The case is still under investigation. Hammond is survived by two young sons, ages four and five.
“He was certainly a student leader on campus. I’m deeply touched by his loss,” Chaney said.