My daughter called this morning at 4:50am EST to tell us about the tragedy that happened to her Peace Corps community in Lesotho. Lesotho is a land-locked country located inside Soth Africa.
I waited until now to write this so the Press Release could be issued and loved ones notified.
http://www.peacecorps.gov/...
WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 4, 2010 – Peace Corps Director Aaron S. Williams is saddened to announce the death of Peace Corps volunteer Thomas "Tom" Maresco in Lesotho. Tom, 24, died as a result of a gunshot wound on Sept. 3 in Maseru, the capital of Lesotho. The investigation into this incident is ongoing, but at this time it appears it may have been an attempted robbery.
"Tom was an exceptional volunteer, leader, teacher and coach – he was an integral part of his host community where he shared his passion for teaching, music and sports," said Director Williams. "We are deeply saddened by this tragic event, and I ask that you keep Tom's family and our volunteers and staff in Lesotho in your thoughts and prayers."
The Peace Corps works closely with the Department of State's Diplomatic Security operations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and other federal agencies to support, as appropriate, the investigations conducted by host country law enforcement. Crimes committed against Peace Corps volunteers overseas generally fall under the legal jurisdiction of the government of the country in which the crime was committed. In this case, the government of Lesotho will conduct the investigation into this crime.
My daughter said that Tom was walking with a group of PCVs (including his fiance) after a Friday night party and a man jumped out and shot the volunteer. He was not apprehended and the motive is unclear. Violence of this magnitude is very rare in Lesotho. His tour was ending in the next few months and my daughter said that Tom's parents were going to visit him next month. The FBI is on the way to investigate. This is devastating to the community of 91 volunteers and they have been told they can not leave the compound in Maseru-the capital until futher notice. We will call her tomorrow to see how she and everyone are doing...
Please keep Tom Maresco and his parents and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.