Disgruntled Professor Who Killed Three at UNLV Had Erectile Dysfunction Drug in System
Anthony Polito, who shot and killed three educators at UNLV, had tadalafil and oxycodone in his system, according to an autopsy report.
Las Vegas, Bollywood Fever: Anthony Polito, the disgruntled professor who fatally shot three educators and critically injured a fourth at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, had taken a powerful erectile dysfunction drug before his rampage. The 67-year-old opened fire on December 6 at 11:45 a.m. in the Lee Business School, killing Professors Patricia Navarro Valez, 39; Cha Jan ‘Jerry’ Chang, 64; and Naomo Takemoru, 69.
Polito was killed in a shootout with police who responded to the scene. An autopsy report revealed that Polito had tadalafil, the active ingredient in Cialis, in his bloodstream at the time of his death. The report, released on June 15, indicated that he had 84 nanograms per milliliter of the drug in his system, which can last up to 36 hours in the body.
Additionally, Polito’s bloodstream tested positive for 15 nanograms per milliliter of oxycodone, a level far below the US Department of Transportation’s threshold for urine tests. Matthew Johnson, a Johns Hopkins University specialist, noted that neither Cialis nor oxycodone are known to increase risk-taking behavior like alcohol does, making it unclear if these substances influenced Polito’s actions.
Polito’s motive appears to stem from frustration over being rejected for a teaching position at UNLV. Obsessed with Las Vegas, he had applied for several positions at colleges and universities across Nevada but was denied each time. On the day of the attack, Polito moved through several floors of the business school before engaging in a fatal shootout with two university officers, Det. Nathaniel Drum and Officer Damien Garcia.
The officers, praised as heroes by University Police Chief Adam Garcia, prevented further bloodshed. Polito’s body was found in front of Frank and Estella Beam Hall with a legally purchased 9mm handgun, 11 loaded magazines, and several pouches containing nine additional magazines, totaling 150 rounds of ammunition.
Investigators discovered a laminated notecard on Polito containing names and room numbers, which appeared to be a target list. Fortunately, none of the individuals on the list became victims. Sheriff Kevin McMahill confirmed that all but one person on the list, who was on a flight, were contacted and safe.
During the massacre, the university issued an alert to students to “RUN-HIDE-FIGHT,” and a substantial police presence, including tactical teams, was deployed. Less than an hour after the alert, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department announced that the suspect was deceased. Footage showed terrified students being escorted out of buildings across the campus as the situation was brought under control.
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