The University of Arizona has struck a settlement with the family of slain professor Thomas Meixner, resolving legal claims connected to the tragic on-campus incident that left Meixner dead. According to university officials, the agreement was reached on January 9 and includes "a monetary settlement for the family, and non-monetary commitments that affirm the university's continuing support for the well-being of those most affected by these events, and that provide the family with a voice in the university's planning and implementation of measures designed to improve the safety and security of the university community," Fox 10 Phoenix reported.
In the incident occurring back in October 2022, Meixner was fatally shot inside the Harshbarger building on the Tucson campus. Following the event, suspect Murad Dervish was charged with various offenses, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and burglary. A flyer alerting the university staff to call 911 if Dervish was seen on the property had been circulated before the shooting, signaling he was a known threat after having been expelled and barred from university property.
Attempts by campus police to have Dervish charged before the incident were unsuccessful, as county prosecutors determined there wasn't sufficient evidence to charge him. In a move to ensure a safer campus, university officials released a safety report in March 2023, which was the result of an analysis by an independent security firm. The report's 33 recommendations included measures such as the installation of compliant safety locks on classroom doors and the compulsory registration for UAlerts, a service designed to quickly inform students and staff during emergencies.
While details of the monetary settlement were not disclosed, the university's pledge to involve Meixner's family in safety improvements demonstrates a commitment to preventing future tragedies.
