Created: 1/26/2009 10:31:42 PM 
Greensboro -- North Carolina A&T student Roger Smith was shocked when he learned that a classmate was shot to death Sunday, but he wasn't surprised that the shooting occurred at his off-campus apartment complex.
"I've heard gunshots plenty of times just sitting in my room," said Smith, who has lived in the Campus Courtyards apartments for two years. "A lot of us are trying to get out of our lease, but since we signed a contract we're not able to do so."
Dennis Hayle, a 22-year-old senior at NC A&T, suffered a fatal gunshot wound while walking to his Campus Courtyard apartment, according to Greensboro police. At this time, police do not have a motive for the shooting.
"I couldn't believe it happened to him of all people," said Smith. Hayle was studying political science and criminal justice. He was a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. The New York native also volunteered at the Greensboro Urban Ministry. "He was just a nice guy," added Smith.
More than two-thirds of NC A&T's students reside off-campus, but university police do not provide security to nearby apartments. "This is privatized housing," explained Mable Scott, a NC A&T spokesperson. "Anything external to North Carolina A&T would be under the sole jurisdiction of the Greensboro Police Department or Guilford County Sheriff's Department."
WFMY News 2 attempted to contact Campus Courtyards management, but our calls were not returned. Smith said he has seen private security guards patrolling the complex, but they often leave in the early morning hours. "My car has been broken into twice, and it all happens when security leaves." He would like to see 24-hour security at the complex.
Scott said university officials have met with management at off-campus apartments about safety concerns in the past, but she did not release any details about the discussions. There's no word on whether any additional meetings will be held.
If you any information about the shooting death of Dennis Hayle, call Crimestoppers at 336-373-1000.
WFMY News 2
