A suspect has been identified with the death of a woman found deceased due to “foul play” Thursday, school officials from the University of Georgia’s Athens campus said.
Campus police Friday afternoon that a suspect has been taken into custody, in connection with the death of 22-year-old Laken Hope Riley.
“A suspect in the murder of Laken Riley has been taken into custody by the University of Georgia Police Department,” the school said. “At this time, there are no indications of a continuing threat to the UGA campus related to this matter.”
A suspect in the murder of Laken Riley has been taken into custody by the University of Georgia Police Department. At this time, there are no indications of a continuing threat to the UGA campus related to this matter.
— UGA (@universityofga) February 23, 2024
As CrimeOnline previously reported, the university said that campus police were called shortly after noon Thursday concerning a friend who never returned after going for a jog.
Following a search, university police discovered Riley in a wooded area behind a lake near the fields, described as “unconscious and not breathing” with “visible injuries.” Despite attempts to administer medical aid, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to WSB, Augusta University said the victim was a student at its College of Nursing campus in Athens and had been an undergraduate at UGA prior.
Nursing Student Found Dead on University of Georgia, Police Question ‘Person of Interest’
We have been fully briefed on this terrible situation,” the university said. “Foul play is suspected, and we are already receiving support from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Athens-Clarke County Police Department to investigate this crime.”
The school canceled classes for the rest of the week, and Augusta University canceled classes at its College of Nursing. They will resume on Monday.
The university said that another student had died suddenly at one of the campus’s dorms but did not provide additional information about that death. According to a UGA Police log, the death was a suicide.
“And as we continue to mourn that tragic loss of life, today’s devastating news will uniquely test the resolve of our campus community, particularly our students,” the school said.
Police say there is no immediate threat to the public. The death marks the first homicide at UGA in the past 20 years, according to University of Georgia Police Department Chief Jeffrey Clark.
A press conference is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST Friday. Check back for updates.
Additional reporting by KC Wildmoon
