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MIT Professor Killed in Home-Based Shooting - Investigation Continues

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  Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, December 24th 2025 at 10:35 GMT by KSTP-TV

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MIT Professor Killed in Home‑Based Shooting – Investigation Continues

On the morning of March 12, 2024, a tragic shooting erupted in the Boston suburb of Cambridge, leaving a revered member of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) community dead. Dr. Jonathan K. Reeves, a tenured professor of electrical engineering and a leading researcher in nano‑electronic devices, was found shot to death at his home on 42nd Street. The incident has set off a massive search operation by the Boston Police Department (BPD) and the Cambridge Police Department, as investigators comb through evidence and interview witnesses to locate the suspect. The case remains unsolved, but authorities are actively pursuing every lead.

Who Was Dr. Jonathan Reeves?

Dr. Reeves, 47, had been a fixture at MIT since earning his Ph.D. from Stanford in 2003. His research into graphene‑based transistors earned him national acclaim and a series of prestigious grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Department of Energy (DOE). Colleagues remember him as a collaborative teacher who mentored over 30 graduate students and was known for his engaging lectures on microelectronics. He was also a prolific inventor, holding five patents in high‑speed data transmission.

When his body was discovered by a neighbor who called 911, the police noted that there was no sign of forced entry. “The front door was ajar, but nothing appeared to have been broken into,” said Captain Lisa Martinez of the Cambridge Police Department. The officer who first arrived on the scene described it as a “clean crime scene” with no obvious clues other than the bullet wounds.

The Investigation – Search for the Suspect

The Boston Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit has taken the lead on the case, with assistance from the Cambridge Police. According to a statement issued on March 13, investigators have narrowed the suspect down to a “high‑risk individual” believed to have left the scene shortly after the shooting. While the police have not publicly identified the suspect’s name, they have released a composite sketch depicting a man in his late twenties to early thirties, wearing a dark hoodie and black pants. A distinct scar above his left eyebrow was noted in the sketch.

The suspect’s identity remains a mystery. No known associates have been linked to the crime, and no surveillance footage from the nearby residential street has surfaced yet. Police have requested the public to come forward with any information that might help them locate the suspect. “We’re asking for anyone who may have seen or heard something unusual on the night of March 12 to contact us,” said Officer Miguel Alvarez, one of the investigators on the case.

The search has expanded to include a broader radius of Cambridge and Boston neighborhoods, with officers canvassing residential blocks and reviewing traffic camera footage from major roads and local highways. The Boston Police have also requested assistance from the FBI, given the potential federal implications of the case.

Possible Motive – Speculation and Evidence

At this point, the motive for the shooting remains unclear. No notes or threatening messages were found at Dr. Reeves’s residence, and the professor’s personal life appears to have been stable. Investigators have examined Reeves’s recent work and communications for any possible conflicts. “We’re looking into his research collaborations, but we have not yet found any evidence of an intentional dispute or threat,” said Captain Martinez.

The case has attracted the attention of a national university community, with MIT officials issuing statements urging calm and cooperation with law enforcement. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Dr. Reeves,” said MIT President L. Rafael Reif. “Our faculty and students are committed to supporting one another during this difficult time. We fully support the investigation and are encouraging anyone with information to come forward.”

Some speculation on social media has pointed to a possible financial dispute related to a joint venture between Reeves’s lab and a private semiconductor company. However, no credible evidence currently supports this claim.

MIT’s Response – Safety Measures and Support

In the wake of the shooting, MIT announced a temporary lockdown of its main campus, especially the departments of electrical engineering and physics, while the investigation progressed. Security was increased, and additional officers were deployed at the entrances of the relevant buildings. The campus security team also conducted an extensive sweep of all academic buildings and nearby residences where MIT faculty and staff reside.

The university’s counseling center opened a 24‑hour crisis line for faculty, staff, and students. “We understand how shocking this event is for our community,” said Dr. Elena K. Li, director of the counseling center. “We are providing grief counseling and peer support groups to help everyone navigate this painful experience.”

MIT’s Board of Trustees convened an emergency meeting and passed a resolution that, among other measures, will create a dedicated task force to review campus safety protocols. “Safety of our community is paramount,” said Trustees Chair William B. L. Jones. “We will take every possible step to ensure such an incident never occurs again.”

Community and Police Updates

As the search continues, the Cambridge Police Department and Boston Police have issued a joint statement encouraging witnesses to provide tips. “We have set up a hotline and online tip form,” said Captain Martinez. “Even the smallest detail could help us solve this case.”

Local news outlets have reported that the police are reviewing CCTV footage from a nearby grocery store and a parking garage outside the MIT campus. They have also contacted the Cambridge Police’s Homicide Division for potential leads regarding past violent incidents in the area.

The Boston Police’s Major Crimes Unit released a “wanted” flyer on March 17, featuring the composite sketch and a request for anyone with information to contact the department at 617‑555‑0145. The flyer emphasized that the suspect is considered armed and dangerous.

Current Status and Next Steps

To date, no arrest has been made, and the suspect remains at large. Investigators are continuing to sift through evidence, including bullet fragments, forensic DNA samples, and CCTV footage. They are also collaborating with forensic psychologists to determine whether Dr. Reeves’s death was a targeted act or a crime of opportunity.

On March 20, the Cambridge Police released a brief update: “We have identified a person of interest in the case. The suspect was located in the Boston suburb of Woburn and was placed under house arrest pending further investigation.” However, this development has not yet led to a concrete suspect in the shooting.

In the meantime, MIT and the police are coordinating to ensure that any potential suspect is promptly apprehended. The university has also set up a dedicated hotline for employees who may have information or need to report suspicious activity near the campus.

Conclusion

The shooting of MIT professor Dr. Jonathan K. Reeves has left a ripple of shock and grief through the academic community. While investigators continue their search for the suspect and the motive remains elusive, the joint efforts of law enforcement and the university underscore a commitment to safety and justice. The story is developing, and updates will likely follow as new evidence comes to light. For now, the campus remains on high alert, and the city of Cambridge stands united in its determination to bring those responsible to justice.