Congressman seeks answers in death

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - The homicide of a popular ODU student is raising concerns about student safety on and near the ODU campus.

The uncle of 20-year-old Christopher Cummings who was killed in his off-campus bedroom, U.S. Congressman Elijah Cummings, of Baltimore, attended a meeting to discuss safety concerns with ODU's President John Broderick.

The Congressman met with ODU and Norfolk Police. They discussed security and safety on and off-campus, and with the Cummings family who went to the home where their beloved Christopher took his last breath.

"I have so many memories in this room. I can't believe it. I can't believe it. I can't believe it," Christopher's mother Rosa said with tears streaming down her cheeks.

Christopher's family, Congressman Cummings, and Congressman Bobby Scott are looking for answers.

"Apparently they have adopted all of the recommendations, so they are doing everything they can," said Congressman Scott referring to a list of suggestions offered to ODU by its newly hired security consultant.

Christopher was killed inside a home two blocks off campus at 4:30 in the morning. How could ODU or Norfolk police do anything to stop that? "The jury is still out. We are still figuring it out. Police still don't have all the facts, and we don't know all the circumstances," said Congressman Cummings.

Christopher's father does not think his son knew his killers, and wants to believe ODU is implementing better security, "I am satisfied they are on the right track."

The family still thinks there's a lot more work ahead.

"I think the jury's still out. There seems to be more to be done with regard to local police working with the campus police. They need to work better, need to work a little bit closer," Congressman Cummings said.

Congressman Cummings believes ODU President Broderick when he said, "He said he had just as much responsibility to off-campus students as he does to on-campus students. I thought that was very significant and very important," the Congressman said.

Congressman Cummings was also touched by the 300 plus ODU students who drove to Baltimore for Christopher's memorial service on Saturday. "When we saw at least 300 students, I just can't tell you. I am emotional talking about it. I can not tell you what that meant to our family," he said.

Dylan Gingerich, one of Christopher's best friends, was at the service and was to move in with Christopher. "He was always caring. He always had a smile. He always would help someone. If you needed a place to stay, he would never hesitate to help you," said Gingerich.

Congressman Cummings says if it's the last thing he does before he dies, he will make sure Christopher's killers are brought to justice. He is also convinced they will keep on killing until they are caught. The Cummings are convinced someone reading this knows something that can help police.

If you know anything, please call the crimeline at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.