“I said hi to him every day”: UNCW students react after search warrant identifies person of interest in Pelican Hall investigation
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — UNCW students say they are shocked after court documents identified a person of interest in the investigation into a hidden recording device found inside a Pelican Hall bathroom.
A search warrant filed Thursday in New Hanover County identifies Jeremiah Xavier Richardson and lists Pelican Hall, located at 1190 Walton Drive, room 4407, as the location associated with the warrant.
The investigation began after a male student discovered a hidden recording device in a fourth-floor, single-occupancy bathroom inside the co-ed residence hall, Tuesday night.
Several students told WWAY they were familiar with Richardson and were surprised by the developments.
“I’ve talked to both of them … every time I see them … since like the first day I was here,” said UNCW freshman Aadith Arun Kumar. “When I found out, I didn’t think it was real. Especially both of them. They didn’t seem like those type of people, so I was definitely shocked.”
The reference to two people is regarding a video circulating campus, of two people removed from the building, allegedly connected to the incident. WWAY has not independently confirmed the circumstances surrounding the video. There was only one name on the search warrant, Jeremiah Xavier Richardson.
Other students said the situation has been unsettling, particularly because of connections they share with people who may be involved.
“It’s weird because you never know. I never expected it to be who it was,” said freshman Hailey Glinski
University investigation continues
UNCW said Thursday it inspected community and pod-style bathrooms in residence halls across campus. No additional suspicious devices were found.
The university said it is not aware of an ongoing threat to campus related to the incident.
UNCW Police are leading the criminal investigation and are pursuing the legal authorization needed to examine electronic evidence collected during the investigation. The university said forensic analysis is expected to take time.
Police are also consulting with the District Attorney’s Office. Any decisions about potential criminal charges will be made through the appropriate legal process.
WWAY reached out to UNCW for information about Richardson’s status and is awaiting a response.
Anyone with information about the incident or who believes they may have been directly affected is encouraged to contact UNCW Police at 910-962-2222.
