Vanderbilt Professor Shot To Death - Cindy Carter

A young and promising Vanderbilt University professor is shot to death inside his home on McFerrin Avenue in East Nashville. Metro Police are searching for suspects in the shooting death of Pierre Colas.

Colas's sister Marie, who was visiting him from Switzerland, was also shot and remains in critical condition at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Metro Police spokesperson Kristin Mumford says, "While robbery has not been ruled out as a motive, there were no signs of forced entry into the home."


Colas's friends and colleagues at Vanderbilt University says Colas' death is a tragic loss. Provost Richard McCarty says, "It's a tough time for the Vanderbilt community because Pierre was a member of our community."

Colas, a Vanderbilt Assistant Professor of Anthropology was a German citizen and is considered one of the world's leading experts on Maya Hieroglyphics. The 32-year old was fluent in six languages and the author of numerous books within his field.

McCarty says, "He had so much to offer... not only students but the broader discipline of anthropology. H was a very caring person and that's what I'll remember."

Vanderbilt is providing counseling for both students and faculty. They are also planning memorials services for Colas. Vanderbilt Professor Shot To Death - Cindy Carter