Dr. Naoko Takemaru, a 69-year-old associate professor of Japanese studies at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, was killed in a December 6, 2023 shooting on the UNLV campus. The Clark County Coroner’s office confirmed she died from multiple gunshot wounds. Takemaru had taught at UNLV for 20 years, coordinated the Japanese language programs, authored a book on gender bias in Japanese society, and received the William Morris Award for Excellence in Teaching. Students and colleagues held vigils to remember her passion for teaching and warm personality.

The gunman was identified as 67-year-old Anthony Polito, who had sought a position at UNLV; two other professors, Cha Jan Jerry Chang, 64, and Patricia Navarro Velez, 39, were also killed. Polito was killed in a shootout with police. Afterward, a woman named Bianca Hernandez, 30, was arrested and charged in connection with an alleged burglary of Dr. Takemaru’s home.