Vigil Held For UCLA Prof. William Klug Killed By Former Student

WESTWOOD (CBSLA.com) — A candlelight vigil was held at UCLA Thursday night in memory of the professor shot and killed by a former student.

In the echos of gunshots so often comes silence. The universal symbol of tragedy flickered in Bruin Plaza in honor of Bill Klug.

"This is a time for us to come together to mourn and to heal. But it's also a symbolic show of our solidarity," one student said.

The 39-year-old was a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering.

"There are so many people here who felt the loss for the family and for the students who know him," said student Stephen Ang.

Los Angeles police chief Charlie Beck said former doctoral student Mainak Sarkar shot Klug to death in his office before turning the gun on himself Wednesday. He had also planned to kill a second professor, who was not on campus at the time, the chief added.

Sarkar accused Klug of stealing his computer code. UCLA said Klug was in the midst of an intricate study of biomechanics to learn more about the human heart.

But students said his heart was what made the professor so beloved. "I remember going into his office and always seeing a picture of his family on his desk. That always stood out in my mind because it was front and center," recalled one of Klug's students, Elaine Kara.

For students and faculty, the stress of finals was compounded by mourning and questions that will never have answers.

"It's just so sad. It's just such a senseless murder here, and I can't believe it," mourned UCLA student, Dani Giesy.

Klug was a husband and father of two young children, ages 7 and 9. He coached his son's little league team near their home in El Segundo.

"During this extremely difficult time for our family, we are grateful for the tremendous outpouring of support," Klug's wife, Mary Elise Klug, said in a statement released through UCLA. "This is an indescribable loss. Bill was so much more than my soulmate. I will miss him every day for the rest of my life. Knowing that so many others share our family's sorrow has provided a measure of comfort."

Two GoFundMe accounts have been set up to assist with Klug's funeral costs. To donate, click here or here.