FAMU player stabbed and killed, schools mourns loss of Shannon Washington
Florida A&M women’s basketball player Shannon Washington was stabbed and killed early Saturday morning according to the university. Police have a suspect in custody, Starquineshia Palmer, 20. Palmer was charged with first-degree murder. She was visiting Washington for the weekend.
FAMU President James H. Ammons issued a statement
Our hearts and prayers go out to Shannon’s family and members of the Lady Rattlers Basketball Team. For Shannon to be killed in the prime of her life is tragic and senseless. She had so much promise as a student athlete. This is a great loss for the university and our athletic program.
Washington was a standout at Illinois Valley Community College (IVCC) earning All-American honors both seasons at IVCC. A native of Sarasota, Fla., her success at IVCC earned her the distinction of having a replica of her jersey shown at the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Tennessee. She transferred to FAMU and was expected to play this fall as a shooting guard.
“It is truly a trying situation to lose a student-athlete that has come to us to further her education and excel at her sport," said LeDawn Gibson, FAMU’s head coach. "As a coach, this is the kind of incident you just hope you never have to deal with – the death of one of your players at such a young age.â€
The FAMU Student Government Association will have a vigil tonight at 8:30 p.m. at the FAMU Eternal Flame to celebrate the life of Washington.
