The Pointer UW-Stevens Point Student Newspaper
At approximately 7:48pm on March 17, The Stevens Point Police Department responded to a call of possible gunshots fired.
A former University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point student was shot within blocks of campus in what police are calling a suspected drug deal. The victim, Deonta M. Lezine, died on March 25.
The shooting occurred in the 2700 block of Fifth Avenue, but the 21-year-old man was found at the Berg Gym on the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point campus. Lezine was taken to Ministry St. Michael’s Hospital and was then moved to a trauma center later that night.
Around 11 p.m on the night of the shooting, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Al Thompson sent out an email alert to students and faculty stating that a shooting had occurred in the 2700 block of 5th Avenue.
Emily Palmer, drama major, explained she lives on her own and is often forced to walk places by herself. Therefore, she finds this tragedy to be especially jarring.
“You always hear of things like this happening at other places, but when it happens near you it really makes you think about your own safety, the safety of your friends and the people you care about,” Palmer said.
Palmer went on to say she feels that this important topic was quickly forgotten and believes it could have been better handled by the university.
Drew Parker, senior political science major, agreed and said that the information provided lacked substantial details and follow up.
“I am appalled by the university’s response,” Parker said. “The text and email alert, sent over 3 hours after the incident, contained no information, no location, no time, and no details on the suspect. The student body deserves more from an institution we spend so much money to attend.”
Three announcements concerning the shooting were made to students, faculty and staff within 16 hours.
Lezine was a Racine Horlick High School graduate, where he played football, participated on the cheer and stunt team, boxed with the Racine Boxing Club and tossed discus and shotput for the track team, according to Journal Times archives. He enrolled at UWSP in 2013 and was involved with the university football team. However, Lezine was not currently enrolled in classes at the time of his death.
It was later revealed there was a second shooting victim, whose wounds were described as “superficial.” Following the shooting, he fled the city and received medical treatment in Racine. The unidentified 20-year-old returned to Stevens Point on March 21 to contact police and make a formal statement.
Assistant Police Chief Tony Babl of the Stevens Point Police Department said that the shooting’s only connection with the university is that Lezine was found at the Health Enhancement Center. He said incidents of this magnitude are uncommon among student housing and said police will not be increasing patrols in this specific area since the incident is considered isolated.
At a press conference the day following the incident Chancellor Bernie Patterson made a statement that his main concern was for established safety on campus and in the community. He said he has no reason to think anyone is in danger.
Media Relations Director Nick Schultz, said protective services is working with the police department to help in anyway possible, as reported by the Stevens Point Journal.
“We’re supporting them however we can and supporting our students and working to ensure their safety and comfort, and that will continue to be the primary concern,” Schultz said.
According to police, the suspect is 30-year-old Kyle Engen. 
Engen is a white male, 6 feet tall, 155 pounds, blonde hair and brown eyes. He has a tattoo that reads “4:20” on his right arm. He may be driving a maroon or purple Lexus sport utility vehicle.
Police do not currently know Engen’s whereabouts, but are following leads in Dane County. Engen is thought to be carrying a .38-caliber handgun and is considered dangerous.
Police advise not to approach him and to call 911 immediately.
If anyone has any information regarding the suspect’s location please call the Stevens Point Police Department at 715-346-1500.
Sophie Stickelmaier
News Editor
sstic520@uwsp.edu
* Editor’s note: Besides the initial Pointer Alert, the university contacted students three times with information regarding the shooting via Campus Announcements.
