Victor McElhaney, a 21 year old student at USC was shot to death last weekend near the Los Angeles campus.  The victim’s mother, Oakland Councilwoman, Lynette McElhaney, is heartbroken and issued a statement Sunday.

Statement from the Parents, Police & University Officials

“It is with the utmost sadness that I share with you the tragic news that my son, Victor McElhaney, was slain last night in a senseless act of violence. Victor was a 21 year-old senior at USC Thornton School of Music, where he was pursuing his lifelong love of music with some of the greats.Victor was a son of Oakland. He was a musician who drew his inspiration from the beat, soul, and sound of the Town and he belonged in every nook and cranny of Oakland.I miss my baby. Please keep me, my family, and all of my son’s friends in your thoughts and prayers.”

The 21 year old was shot during a robbery right after midnight, Sunday. The gunman and several suspects fled the scene located east of campus, by Adams Boulevard and Maple Avenue, police stated.

The victim went to a hospital in critical condition. Local police did not release  the victims condition nor release name.

“Victor McElhaney was a jazz studies student who believed in the power of music to touch lives, to heal, and to bring hope. We honor Victor’s life and send our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends in this time of grief and tragedy.” Stated by Robert Cutietta, Dean of the USC Thornton School of Music.

USC Thornton faculty member Peter Erskine who taught McElhaney stated, “his smile, even on that sunny day, lit up the whole place.”

University officials add that: “We appreciate the diligent and ongoing efforts of the Los Angeles Police Department to quickly identify and arrest those responsible for this senseless crime and extend our greatest sympathies to Victor’s family and friends.”