The death of a Texas woman who was shot and killed by a police officer while inside her own home on Saturday has sparked outrage across the U.S., but for one Chicago-area man, the story hit especially close to home.
DeVon Pruitt, of south suburban Matteson, attended Xavier University of Louisiana with Atatiana Jefferson.
Jefferson was shot to death early Saturday morning by a Fort Worth police officer while she was watching her older sister’s son. The department said in a statement that the officer perceived an unspecified threat after being called to the home because the front door was open.
Aaron Dean, the officer who fatally shot Jefferson, was charged with murder on Monday following his resignation earlier in the day.
Pruitt, Jefferson's former classmate, said the two got to know each other while serving on Xavier University's gospel choir.
"She had a reserved spirit, but a very personable spirit," Pruitt said. "She kept me entertained during choir practice, sometimes during Mass."
Although the two had different majors, and Jefferson was a year ahead of him in college, Pruitt said the two became friends.
"She was a sweet person...She would often crack a joke during rehersal," he said. "...Just overall being in the presence of somebody who has good energy, a peaceful person..."
Jefferson was shot and killed in Fort Worth, about 30 miles from Dallas, where a white police officer fatally shot her black neighbor in 2018.
Pruitt talked about similar incidents that have taken place across the country, adding "you don't think the next tragedy would be someone you knew."
Local
"I don't live in Texas, but this was in my backyard," Pruitt said. "We shared the bonds of being Xavierites."
Pruitt said his former classmate didn't have any malice or ill-will toward anyone.
"So many hopes and aspirations gone, senselessly," he said.
Following his friend's shooting death, Pruitt called on people to uphold their university's mission and contribute to a "more just and humane society" through leadership and service.
"This truly has been an unexpected wakeup call to take my life, and do whatever I can to realize that goal to make the world a more humane and just place," he said.
