FIU Running-Back Kendall Berry Stabbed To Death
March 26th, 2010- By Bryan Cross
Florida International running back Kendall Berry was stabbed to death outside the campus rec center Thursday night, to which university president Mark B. Rosenberg stated that they school and law enforcement “will not rest” as long as his murderer remains at large.
“Our hearts are heavy,” remarked Rosenberg on Friday morning.
The 22-year-old was said to have been in an altercation with at least one other individual outside the building where the football team trains. ESPN.com reports that there are several witnesses that police are interviewing to make headway in the case, according to Javier Baez of the Miami-Dade police department.
School began as usual on campus Friday, with the addition of security and counseling to students who need it.
Berry’s teammates were said to be consulting grief counselors as they face the road ahead without their running back. The team was to undergo a coaching clinic that was set to begin today, and continue on through Saturday. That event however has been postponed.
“Last night, we lost a well-liked student who was a tireless worker in the classroom and on the ball field,” Rosenberg remarked. “Like so many of our students, Kendall Berry had positive energy and a bright future.”
Berry did not make it to the hospital, as he died in-transport.
“In our sorrow, we must come together,” Rosenberg stated. “Our campus is safe. Now more than ever, you must tell this story. Even while we mourn Kendall and express our sympathy to his family and friends, we must not let this heinous crime overshadow the incredible track record for safety that we have.”
Police reportedly interviewed a person of interest who was “detained and questioned” but later released and is not considered a suspect.
The spring practices for the football team have been put on hold until the situation is sorted out. The Spring game was scheduled for Wednesday of next week.
From a big family, Berry had seven brothers and sisters, and a memorial service for the slain athlete is being planned.
“Last night, his grief-stricken mother described Kendall as a negotiator, not a fighter,” Rosenberg remarked. “We will not rest until the perpetrator of this crime is brought to justice.”
Berry had struggled with injury during the 2008 season, and began to find his form in the 2009 season, which included a three touchdown performance in one quarter. On November 7, in a game against Middle Tennessee State, he reached the end zone twice.
The Panthers open their 2010-11 season on September 11 against Rutgers at home.
Online Sportsbooks favor the defending national champion Alabama Crimson Tide to win the 2010-11 BCS National Championship game.
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