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Two young mothers killed at Family Scholar House near UofL; suspect still at large

Iyanna Warr and Trinity Durham, both 20, were shot and killed early Aug. 23 at Family Scholar House near UofL's Belknap Campus. Police had not announced an arrest.

Two 20-year-old mothers in the Family Scholar House program, Iyanna Warr and Trinity Durham, were shot and killed early Aug. 23 at the nonprofit's housing near the University of Louisville Belknap Campus. LMPD and UofL Police found them around 1:45 a.m. in the 400 block of Reg Smith Circle; both were pronounced dead at the scene and no arrest had been announced. One woman lived at the complex and the other was waiting for housing; neither child was present. Residents and a friend described a long-broken entrance gate. UofL issued a shelter-in-place that was later lifted and said neither victim was a student or employee.

Shared facts

Two people were killed in the incident.

The Jefferson County Coroner's Office identified them Monday afternoon as Iyanna Warr, 20, and Trinity Durham, 20.

Neither person is a UofL student.

Police said it happened just before 2 a.m.

Officers found two women shot.

Family Scholar House is on Reg Smith Circle.

It is near the edge of Belknap Campus.

UofL said the shelter-in-place has been lifted.

Neither person is a UofL employee.

Family Scholar House is a UofL partnership organization at a non-university facility.

Family Scholar House said both women killed were mothers.

One woman lived at the complex; the other was waiting for housing.

One was planning a career in forensic science.

The other was pursuing nursing specializing in geriatric care.

Family Scholar House helps student parents who have faced poverty, unstable housing, and domestic violence through education.

Both women were part of the Family Scholar House program.

UofL called it a heartbreaking event for the entire Louisville community.

A suspect is not yet in custody.

UofL said it has no reason to believe there is a current threat to campus.

Identities will be released by law enforcement after families are notified.

Family Scholar House said two young children have lost their mothers.

UofL said its hearts go out to Scholar House residents and their loved ones.

UofL asked people to report suspicious behavior to UofL Police at (502) 852-6111.

Family Scholar House said it had never had a violent tragedy on any campus in 18 years of housing.

Dykstra said she authorized the gate repair in February.

Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to download the SafeZone app for safety alerts.

Counseling is available at the UofL Counseling Center and EAP for employees.

Beacon Property Management has struggled to find parts for the 18-year-old gate.

Family Scholar House said that history does not lessen the devastation of two young women losing their lives.

UofL said its first priority is to secure campus, get accurate information, and mitigate threats.

LMPD asked anyone with information to call 574-LMPD (5673).

UofL said it recognizes that emergencies are frightening.

UofL asked the campus to follow public-safety directions and monitor SafeZone and email.

UofL said it may not be able to provide detailed information right away.

WAVE 3

Community mourns 2 young mothers killed in weekend shooting

Kierstin Foote

24 Aug 2026

Facts

Cowan said everything for Warr was about her son.

They help student parents get degrees or certificates and provide housing.

Cowan said Warr was a bubbly, charismatic student who liked to smile and laugh.

Warr was expected to start school this semester.

Tyria Cowan, a former mentor turned friend of Warr’s, remembered her on Monday.

Cowan helped Warr with her resume to get into Family Scholar House and to choose forensic sciences.

Cowan said she never had to put a code to the gate, which was never locked or closed.

Cowan, president of House of Womb (Women Overcoming Many Barriers), continued to work with Warr.

The circumstances of the shooting are unclear so far.

Cowan pointed to security concerns at the complex.

Cowan said Warr loved CSI and was excited to get started.

Several residents also voiced security concerns.

Dykstra said they want the gate closed.

Dykstra pointed to cameras that could help show who pulled the trigger.

Cowan helped Iyanna tour Family Scholar House.

Cathe Dykstra is CEO of Family, the parent company of Family Scholar House.

WAVE reached out to Beacon Property and had not heard back.

Opinion

Their classroom seats will be empty and their children are without their mothers.

Cowan said they should have more security so the women feel safe.

Cowan said she is saddened.

Cowan said Warr will truly be missed.

Cowan said Warr was a great mom.

The cameras do not take away the pain for those who knew the victims.

WDRB

2 women shot and killed at Family Scholar House near University of Louisville campus

Rya Wooten

23 Aug 2026

Facts

They were pronounced dead at the scene.

Neither child was present when the shooting happened.

Family Scholar House sits at 5th and Lee on the edge of campus.

LMPD said officers briefly worked to determine which family member had one of the children.

Dykstra said they provided grief counseling Sunday and counselors would be available all week.

Joseph said two gates have been broken for years.

Joseph said witnessing domestic violence and fights in broad daylight is common there.

Residents must be a single parent pursuing a college degree and meet income limits.

Joseph has had constant safety concerns since moving there.

Dykstra said she is hearing residents' concerns for the first time.

Dykstra said the gate is a strong deterrent but will not fully keep someone off the property.

Dykstra said whether security is provided would be up to property managers.

Joey Joseph moved to the Reg. Smith Circle location in November.

Love said behind each door lives a single parent trying to give children better lives.

Justus Love lives at the Family Scholar House on Breckinridge Street.

Family Scholar House called the incident a heartbreaking tragedy.

Tips can also be submitted through LMPD's online tip portal.

Opinion

Love said there is predominantly violence where women, children, and single fathers are trying to get an education.

Love said those areas are supposed to be heavily protected.

WLKY

2 women killed at Family Scholar House near UofL's campus

Blakely McHugh

23 Aug 2026

Facts

Students were asked to shelter in place.

The student success and family support center is near the edge of Belknap Campus.

WLKY said the lockdown was lifted around 4 a.m. Sunday.

Family Scholar House said the mothers were working toward healthcare credentials.

Family Scholar House released a statement after the incident.

Opinion

No opinion marked.

LEX 18

2 killed in shooting at Family Scholar House near University of Louisville's Belknap campus

Mack Carmack

23 Aug 2026

Facts

No unique facts.

Opinion

No opinion marked.

UofL News

UofL statement on Family Scholar House shooting

Gerry Bradley and Kathryn Cardarelli

23 Aug 2026

Facts

UofL Police responded during the night to reports of shots fired at Family Scholar House.

More campus safety information is on the UofL Public Safety website.

Opinion

No opinion marked.