A
professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte was killed
on Friday in southwest Charlotte and police suspect her boyfriend in
relation to the murder.
Jeannine Shante Skinner, 35, an assistant professor of gerontology
and psychology in the Department of Psychological Science, was found in
an apartment off Interstate 485 near South Tryon Street at 11:37 a.m.
after police were called to do a welfare check in the 9300 block of
Kings Parade Boulevard.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said the incident is possibly domestic
related, and the victim and suspect knew each other. They said
45-year-old Donny Lewis Franklin is the suspect in connection with
Skinner’s death and a murder warrant has been issued for his arrest.
Franklin has a history of violence against women. In September 2003,
he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of assault on a female, court
records show, while a charge of violating a domestic violence protective
order was dismissed at that time.
Franklin was last seen driving a burgundy Jeep with the license plate
number 0512KN, police said. “He is considered armed and dangerous and
may be suicidal,” police said.
UNCC Chancellor Philip Dubois issued a statement to faculty and students Saturday expressing condolences to Skinner’s family.
Dubois said in the statement: “We grieve for Jeannine’s family, and
we hope that joyful memories of her life will sustain them in the days
to come. I hope those of you who were her students and colleagues will
remember Jeannine for her accomplishments and for the influence she had
on your lives.”