GV alumna murdered in Florida

Shelby Fazio, a 2013 graduate of Grand Valley State University, died from a fatal stabbing on Tuesday, Oct. 28.

According to MLive, Fazio’s roommate stabbed her in the neck and attacked another roommate, who escaped and called the police to the West Orange County home they shared in Orlando, Fla.

Bryan Santana told authorities he killed Fazio and had sex with her body before attacking the other roommate who had just walked in the door. Santana is charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder.

According to her Facebook profile, Fazio studied biology and mathematics at GVSU.

Neil MacDonald, a GVSU professor and chair of the biology department, said he did not know Fazio personally, but he spoke with some of her former professors who have expressed their condolences to the family.

“Shelby’s professors thought very highly of her,” MacDonald said. “She was always attentive, upbeat, conscientious and caring for her classmates.”

MacDonald added that Fazio was a serious student and actively engaged in her classes. She was also engaged in campus life outside the classroom, participating in Circle K and Key Club during high school and college. She enjoyed volunteering and community service, according to her obituary.

After graduating from college, she worked in guest recreation at the Walt Disney World Yacht and Beach Club. In 2009, she graduated from Lapeer West High School in her hometown of Lapeer, Mich., located 20 miles northeast of Flint.

Her memorial service took place on Nov. 4 in Lapeer.

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