VALDOSTA — A Valdosta State University student died of a gunshot wound Wednesday evening, and according to the Valdosta Chief of Police Brian Childress, investigators believe it was a homicide.

Zachary Butler, 19, was found dead in an apartment at The Gates, 1403 Baytree Road, according to a report from the Valdosta Police Department.

He was declared dead at the scene, according to police.

The shooting occurred at the apartment complex sometime before 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 12.

Childress said the initial emergency call indicated the incident may have been a suicide but he said investigators saw evidence at the scene that indicated foul play. Childress said Thursday medical examiners at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation offices in Macon ruled the incident a homicide. Authorities are continuing the investigation. VPD Lt. Adam Bembry asks anyone with information to contact the police department. VSU issued a statement regarding the incident.

The university statement reads: “The Valdosta State University community is deeply saddened by the unexpected death of Zachary Austin Butler, a current student. The death of a student affects the entire VSU community, and every member of our Blazer Nation family sends the deepest expressions of sympathy to Zachary’s family and friends as they process this devastating loss. VSU offers counseling services and support to members of the university community who are experiencing bereavement and grief and want to talk to a professional about it. Students who wish to talk to a counselor should contact the Counseling Center, located on the second floor of Powell Hall East, at (229) 333-5940.”