Michigan college student killed in 'intentional' shooting during house party

A Michigan college student at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) was killed during a house party from an reportedly intentional shooting that occurred during the gathering.

According to WOOD-TV, Connor Lotterman, 19, from Tallmadge Township in Michigan, was fatally shot in the head during a party on May 9, police said. The shooting took place near Lake Michigan Drive NW and 2nd Avenue late in the evening.

Police said that there was a 20-year-old man in the upstairs bedroom of the house and others, including Lotterman, were downstairs as the party went on. The 20-year-old fired multiple bullets through the floor, with one striking Lotterman in the head. He was later taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Jake Sparks said the shooting was intentional, “Multiple rounds were fired. It wasn’t like as if it were a one-shot accidental discharge. This was numerous rounds discharged. Although the result of the shooting led to an accidental death, this shooting was intentional."

Lotterman died just three days before he turned 20 years old and the coroner's office ruled that it was an accident that he was killed in the shooting, but that alcohol played a role in the death. “Encourage people to be smart, firearms and alcohol don’t mix, that’s for sure,” Sparks added. “I think this situation could’ve been avoided without those things mixing.”

In response to Lotterman's death, the GVSU Dean of Students, Aaron Haight, said in a statement, “The Grand Valley community is saddened by Connor’s tragic death. On behalf of President Mantella, the Laker community extends our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. Students may utilize the Care referral process and the University Counseling Center for support and resources during this difficult time. Faculty and staff can access mental health services via the Employee Assistance Program."

The shooter has not been publicly identified, as charges are being considered for the 20-year-old. Lotterman was the youngest of five siblings and is survived by them, his parents, as well as his nieces and nephews, according to his obituary.

His funeral took place on May 17. Lotterman went to college after graduating from Covenant Christian High School in 2023. He was studying engineering at the time of his death.