Who Was Joao Souza

The University of Binghamton community lost another fellow classmate on April 15 in the murder of first-year student Joao Souza.

Souza, who is the second BU student to be murdered within five weeks, suffered from stab wounds at approximately 10:30 P.M. in the Windham Residential Hall. According to University Police Chief Timothy Faughnan, the engineering major was rushed by Harpur's Ferry ambulance to Wilson Trauma Center where he was pronounced dead.

Joao graduated last year from Blind Brook High School in Rye Brook where he was known for being a skilled soccer player. The Westchester resident and midfielder had been a starter on the boys varsity team for three years of his high school career.

His legacy as a skilled player has even garnered the shock and condolences of sports reporters who remember him for his talent and finesse on the field. Joao was also a member of Blind Brook’s Autism Speaks chapter according the group’s website.

Souza's family, who were located and contacted in Brazil, requested for privacy during the investigation according to a statement released during a press conference held at the university at 11 A.M.

Another press conference will be held today at 2 P.M. to provide potential updates on the investigation, however (at this time) the suspect remains at large and dangerous.