A COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYER has been detained in connection with the death of a student found shot to death near Portland State University on Monday.

Keenan Harpole, 20, is alleged to have handed himself in after the body of Amara Marluke, 19, was discovered near dormitories in the early hours.

The event is thought to have been a case of domestic violence. It’s unclear how Harpole and Marluke knew each other.

Amara, who was studying music at the institution, was hailed as a “caring, lovely” spirit by her loved ones.

“To say Amara was the light of our lives, a lovely and kind person, would not begin to do her credit,” her father Bradley said.

He stated that he and his wife adopted Amara when she was nine years old after she had a “rough” start in life.

Freshman Harpole, a former running back for the Portland State football team, is now facing second-degree murder accusations.

According to authorities, he was also charged with unauthorised use of a firearm and domestic violence.

In Oregon, there are no prior arrests or convictions, according to court records.

Amara’s father paid homage to his daughter, saying, “Her loyalty to her family and friends was steadfast, and that she would fall prey to a senseless and terrible killing is unthinkable.”

“My heart hurts for Amara’s family and for everyone who knew her,” stated Portland State President Stephen Percy.

That’s one more than Portland had seen by this time last year, when the city hit an all-time high of 90 murders.

PSU officials have provided students counselling services.

They expressed sadness that “the scourge of lethal gun violence that has afflicted so many places has reached close to home.”