Las Vegas, Nevada – An autopsy report revealed that a University of Nevada, Las Vegas gunman who fatally shot three professors and injured another had oxycodone and erectile dysfunction medication in his system. Anthony Polito, 67, carried out the shooting on December 6, which resulted in the deaths of Patricia Navarro Velez, Cha Jan “Jerry” Chang, and Naoko Takemaru.
Polito, armed with 150 rounds of ammunition and a list of names and room numbers, was a business professor who had been rejected from jobs at UNLV. He opened fire on police before being fatally shot by UNLV officers. The autopsy report, obtained by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, indicated that Polito’s cause of death was gunshot wounds, ruled as a homicide.
Investigators uncovered a laminated notecard with names and room numbers at the scene. Polito’s blood tested positive for oxycodone and tadalafil, a generic name for Cialis, in amounts below the U.S. Department of Transportation testing threshold. Polito was found in front of the Frank and Estella Beam Hall on Maryland Parkway, dressed in a coat and tie, with a Taurus 9mm handgun and ammunition magazines nearby.
The autopsy report also mentioned that Polito had erectile dysfunction medication in his bloodstream. The report, signed by forensic pathologist Nathan Shaller, disclosed that Polito shot at police officers before being shot himself. The presence of medication and weaponry at the scene raises questions about the motive behind the tragic incident.
Details from the autopsy report shed light on the events surrounding the shooting at UNLV campus. The report’s findings concerning Polito’s medical condition and access to firearms provide insights into the mental state of the gunman during the attack. Investigation into the incident continues as authorities seek to uncover possible motives or triggers for the violent act.
The aftermath of the shooting not only left a community in mourning but also raised concerns about campus safety and mental health awareness. The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing mental health issues and implementing measures to prevent such acts of violence. UNLV and local authorities continue to work together to ensure the safety and well-being of students, faculty, and staff on campus.