Update on Kevin Jiang's murder

February 9, 2021

On Saturday, February 6, 2021, Kevin Jiang, a graduate student at the Yale School of the Environment, was shot and killed in New Haven. The New Haven Chief of Police Otoniel Reyes recently informed the public that Kevin might have been targeted. This incident highlights broader concerns about crime in our community. New Haven, like many cities across the country, is experiencing a troubling increase in shootings. There has been an uptick in crime, particularly since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yale University is part of the New Haven Community and takes public safety seriously.

Need to know

  • Many members of our shared community have been in touch with President Salovey and Yale Police Chief Ronnell Higgins to share their concerns regarding the increase in shootings, homicides, and robberies.  
  • Marvin Chun, Dean of Yale College, has communicated with Yale students’ parents and families since Kevin Jiang’s murder. Dean Chun is in contact with parents regularly regarding many matters related to the wellbeing of students.
  • Chief Higgins has fielded some calls from parents and several community members who want reassurances that Yale Police and Security are working each day to keep the campus and their loved ones safe.
    • These same individuals understand how demanding police work can be. Also they mention meeting police officers when visiting the school and their positive interactions.
    • Yale Public Safety is committed to keeping the campus its people and property safe.   

    What to do

    • Chief Higgins asks that all Yale Police and Yale Security officers continue to be highly visible on their beat including more interaction with community members and walking their area on foot.
    • Some community members may be anxious about crime in New Haven and our community. Police and Security officers are there to offer a hello and updates on Yale Public Safety resources, such as LiveSafe and its SafeWalk feature.