In three of the cases, gruesome mutilations occurred. Police have confirmed that several of the victims were found nude and covered with blood. According to Gainesville Chief of Police Wayland Clifton, every one of the victims is believed to be connected to one or two suspects. An atmosphere of fear is prevalent among students walking along University Avenue in Gainesville. At every corner beefed-up security is responding at the request of the city and county.
Police cars line every street around the campus.
Many students, afraid to sleep at night, have left the area. Local pawn shops have reportedly sold massive numbers of guns to students desiring to protect themselves. Several pastors of local area churches called public prayer meetings in response to the wave of horror that has swept Gainesville. David Wead, of North Central Baptist Church, held a campus prayer vigil which was covered by the Cable News Network. Father John Gillespie, of St. Augustine's Church held a prayer vigil attended by almost 100 students.