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Man shot in Harvard dorm dies

A 21-year-old man shot inside a Harvard University dormitory Monday while students studied for finals died Tuesday.
/ Source: The Associated Press

A 21-year-old man shot inside a Harvard University dormitory while students studied for finals died Tuesday.

Justin Cosby, of Cambridge, was shot in the abdomen late Monday afternoon while standing on a stairway leading to a common area inside the Kirkland House, an undergraduate dorm. He was found outside the building by police.

The dorm has an electronic security system, and Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone said authorities were looking into how Cosby got into the building.

"We're not suspicious of any Harvard students being involved in this shooting at this time," Leone said. "The investigation is extremely active."

Leone said at a press conference Tuesday that Cosby's relationship with the Harvard community was unclear.

Cosby's mother, Denise, said her son attended Salem State College. He lived a few blocks from the Harvard campus.

"It's just so strange. He was fine, healthy yesterday," Denise Cosby told The Boston Globe. "I just can't believe my son is not here today. Inside I'm just torn up, I feel like someone has murdered me."

No arrests had been made.

Harvard referred all questions to the district attorney. Leone said it appeared the shooting was isolated.

After the shooting, students were told to remain in the dorm for several hours as police interviewed potential witnesses.

Harvard police added security, mainly as a precaution, and students were allowed to move freely inside the dorm Tuesday.