UT-Austin Seeks To Allay Students' Fears In Light Of Campus Homicide [UPDATES]

AUSTIN, TX -- University of Texas at Austin President Gregory L. Fenves has directed 50 additional law enforcement officers to patrol campus after the body of a young woman -- possibly a student -- was found Tuesday along Waller Creek on school grounds.

"There is a lot of justified anxiety, and I want to let you know that law enforcement is working hard to investigate this week's homicide while campus leadership is actively addressing safety at UT Austin," Fenves wrote to students via Twitter on Wednesday.

"I have requested that the Austin Police Department, with its deep knowledge and experience, lead the investigation and coordinate closely with UTPD (University of Texas Police Department) and the Texas Rangers."

A cadaver described as being the body of a woman in her 20s was discovered along a portion of Waller Creek that runs through campus late Tuesday morning. The body was found west of the Etter-Harbin Alumni Center at 2110 San Jacinto Blvd.

"These law enforcement agencies are fully engaged and moving quickly," Fenves continued. "They have completed processing the crime scene; are working to identify the victim; and are focused on locating and apprehending a suspect in this unthinkable crime."

Late Wednesday, the APD confirmed its lead role in trying to solve the case. The department released a statement to this effect shortly after 6 p.m.

"As The University of Texas at Austin homicide investigation continues, the Austin Police Department will be the lead agency, working closely with the University of Texas Police Department, University of Texas System police, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Rangers and other federal, state and local partners," the APD statement read.

"All law enforcement agencies are working diligently and thoroughly on any investigative leads to ensure all evidence is completed, processed and that all witnesses are interviewed," the statement continued. "The main focus at this time is to identify, locate and arrest the individual that committed this crime."

Last night, at Fenves' request, 50 additional officers from various law enforcement agencies were dispatched to campus as additional safeguard and to further allay students' anxieties stemming from the body's discovery that morning.

"For those on campus tonight," Fenves told students late Tuesday, "I have directed 50 officers from UTPD, APD and DPS (Texas Department of Public Safety) to patrol our community."

Patch has learned of speculation whether the dead young woman is a missing student from out of state who was last heard from last weekend. But law enforcement officials have not identified the deceased person, likely as they attempt to locate family members to notify them of her death.

"We cannot confirm that," university spokesman Gary Susswein wrote in a texted message to Patch when presented with the name of the missing student who may be the victim of this week's homicide. "The body has not been IDed yet by police or the ME (medical examiner)."

On Wednesday morning a police spokesman declined to provide details as well. And even if the APD had details to report, they are deferring their release to university officials, spokeswoman Lisa Cortinas said in an emailed response to questions from Patch.

"We are assisting UTPD with the investigation, but it is UT's case to talk about," Cortinas wrote.

Fenves vowed to continually update the student body on further details as soon as he learns them from law enforcement: "Law enforcement leaders are providing me with continual updates; and I will do the same for you, staying in touch to share information," he wrote to students.

In addition to added patrols, the university is providing added shuttles to students needing to walk across campus at night, Fenves wrote on Wednesday.

"The university will provide extra van shuttles for students after their evening rehearsals near the Winship and Fine Arts buildings," Fenves wrote. "We are reviewing other enhanced safety measures on campus."

The APD echoed that assurance of added security in the wake of the homicide: "Extra officers will remain in the area. We do want the campus community to be vigilant, and if you see something that looks suspicious, call 9-1-1 immediately. Remember, always walk with a friend, in well-lit areas and be aware of your surroundings."

Despite the extra security measures taken, Fenves also asked students to be extra vigilant: "Importantly, I ask all of you to always remain focused on your surroundings while walking; to never walk alone after dark; and to stay on clearly-marked and well-lit sidewalks."

Given the added patrols, the campus will remain operating on its normal schedule of classes and events, the president said.

"Our students come to The University of Texas at Austin to live, learn and prepare for life and do not expect to be confronted by tragedy during their years on campus," he noted.

Grief counseling has been made available for students at the counseling center in the Student Services Building, which will stay open until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Fenves said. Additionally, staff and faculty counseling services are available through theHealthPoint Employee Assistance Program.

Anyone with information about this crime should call university police at 512-471-4441.

"As we respond to this tragedy, let us work collectively to support one another and to make our community stronger and safer," Fenves wrote in ending his missive.

As for police, they vowed to provide updates as soon as they're available: "As new information becomes available, it will be provided in a timely manner," the APD statement read.

>>> Photos at scene of homicide at UT-Austin on Tuesday by Tony Cantu