Police Call Attack Attempted Homicide

Graham Hall residents involved in altercation Tuesday morning

Sophie MattsonTHE SANTA CLARAFebruary 19, 2014 

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]wo Santa Clara students were hospitalized after a stabbing incident on campus.

Sophomore Dillon Kim allegedly stabbed his roommate with a knife at approximately 3:30 a.m. on Tuesday, according to a press release issued by the Santa Clara Police Department. SCPD labeled the incident as an “attempted homicide” in the press release.

The alleged attack occurred in their shared dorm room on the second floor of Graham Residence Hall, according to John Loretto, assistant director of Campus Safety Services. The attack was unprovoked and occurred when the victim was asleep, said SCPD spokesperson Lieutenant Kurt Clarke.

According to the press release, Kim and the victim were transferred to a local hospital following the attack. The victim suffered multiple lacerations and a stab wound but is expected to recover.

The press release also stated Kim suffered from a self-inflicted wound.

Following his discharge from the hospital, Kim was booked at Santa Clara County Jail. Clarke did not confirm if drugs or alcohol were involved in the attack.

Three student emergency medical technicians responded to the scene in under five minutes, according to Kate Rosen, director of SCU EMS. Loretto said that the student EMTs and Campus Safety personnel had a “phenomenal response” to the incident.

“These student EMTs immediately jumped into action and, despite the scene being something they hadn’t seen before, they never paused and they got right into providing medical aid,” Loretto said.

At approximately 5 a.m. on Tuesday morning, students living near the area were told to prepare to leave their rooms while SCPD processed the crime scene, according to Loretto. 

Santa Clara regained control of the two rooms at approximately 2 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon.

Although the police investigation is still ongoing, Santa Clara has enacted an interim suspension against Kim.

“In this particular case, because the student was arrested and detained, they are not currently able to return to campus,” said Jeanne Rosenberger, vice provost for student life and dean of students. “We have a provision in our conduct code to implement an interim suspension when we believe it is in the best interest of the community.”

Due to restrictions from the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, Rosenberger was unable to disclose if Kim had a record of disciplinary infractions prior to the alleged assault.

Rosenberger added that, to her knowledge, there has not been an incident this severe on campus in recent years.

“The university is cooperating closely with Santa Clara Police Department in an active and ongoing police investigation. The health and welfare of our students is of paramount concern to the university, and we are doing all we can to assist the affected families. There is no ongoing threat,” according to a statement released by Santa Clara Communications Director Deepa Arora.

Kim will be arraigned today at 9:00 a.m. at the Santa Clara County Superior Court.

Contact Sophie Mattson at smattson@scu.edu or call (408) 554-4852.