LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Oldham County School District is mourning the loss of teacher and wrestling coach, Maxwell Emerson. He was a social studies teacher at Oldham County High School.

Emerson, 25, was shot and killed on the campus of Catholic University in Washington, D.C. Wednesday, July 5.

Just after 8 a.m., The Metropolitan Police Department was called to Alumni Lane, near Father O’Connell Hall, where they found Emerson shot. They took him to a nearby hospital, but efforts to save him were unsuccessful.

Assistant D.C. Police Chief Leslie Parsons addressed the shooting Friday, July 7 during a news conference. She said the department has video of Maxwell and the shooting suspect walking together and arriving at the scene with each other. The connection between the two men isn't known and police are looking into their relationship.

They released pictures of the suspect on social media Friday. He is described as a man with a light complexion and he was last seen running away from the shooting wearing dark clothing.

Oldham County released a statement about Emerson’s death, saying, “This is a devastating loss for Oldham County High School and the entire OCS community. The Emerson family has deep roots in our school system, so this tragedy touches many of our students and staff.”

Lori Webb, Director of Communications, for the school district, added in the statement that even though Emerson was a young teacher, he made it his goal to form relationships with his students.

Emerson recently won the 2023 Henrion Multicultural Fund for Oldham County Teachers award. The endowment helps fund educational experiences for teachers during their summer break.

Emerson, a social studies teacher, would have explored Vietnam this summer. According to the school’s Facebook page, he wanted to know more about the country so he could talk to the students directly when he was teaching about the Vietnam War.

“I want to have firsthand experience in the country of this conflict and gather more knowledge that helps me to better educate students about this important era of U.S. history,” Emerson wrote in his application.

The social media post added he was also going to Cambodia, the site of the Killing Fields.

He said in the post, “Even though this is a dark and sad historical event, seeing it first hand can lead to deeper compassion for persecuted people. I want my students to have that compassion for U.S. citizens who struggle, as well as those that live in other countries. By traveling to these destinations, I will become a more knowledgeable teacher. But most importantly, learning other cultures deepens my understanding of other people--their challenges, beliefs, and daily experiences. And that is what makes a truly effective teacher.”

Grief counselors will be at the school to help students or staff who need help to process Emerson’s murder.

The Metropolitan Police Department is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in Emerson’s death.