LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – Las Vegas police are on the lookout for individuals involved in the burglary of the home of Naoko Takemaru, an associate professor of Japanese studies at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas. Takemaru was one of the victims of a fatal shooting at the university in December. According to reports, a witness saw a woman leaving Takemaru’s home carrying multiple items and covering her face before getting into a car with two men wearing face coverings.
The burglary was reported to the police on December 26, with officers discovering open cabinets and other signs of a break-in. Takemaru, 69, was one of three instructors who tragically lost their lives in the shooting, along with Jerry Cha-Jan Chang, 64, and Patricia Navarro-Velez, 39. The perpetrator was killed during the attack following a shootout with police.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is urging anyone with information about potential suspects in the case to come forward and contact them at (702) 385-5555. The incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of faculty members and educators, highlighting the vulnerability of educational institutions to such acts of violence. The police are working tirelessly to bring the perpetrators of the burglary and shooting to justice, providing a sense of closure and justice to the victims and their families.
The break-in at Takemaru’s home serves as a stark reminder of the trauma and loss experienced by the university community, prompting a renewed focus on campus safety measures. The impact of the shooting and subsequent burglary has reverberated throughout the campus and the wider community, prompting discussions on enhancing security protocols and support services for faculty and staff. As the police continue their investigation, the search for answers and closure remains central to the healing process for those affected by the tragic events.