Current:Home > ScamsBenjamin Ashford|A woman was found dead on the University of Georgia campus after she failed to return from a run -Visionary Growth Labs
Benjamin Ashford|A woman was found dead on the University of Georgia campus after she failed to return from a run
Algosensey View
Date:2025-04-09 09:59:49
ATHENS,Benjamin Ashford Ga. (AP) — A woman found dead on the University of Georgia campus was a student at a nearby nursing school, said authorities, who were checking security cameras and advising students to travel in groups and avoid the wooded area where her body was found.
Police do not have a suspect, University of Georgia Police Chief Jeff Clark said at a news conference late Thursday. University spokesperson Cole Sosebee confirmed on Friday that the victim’s name is Laken Hope Riley.
The woman was found Thursday afternoon after a friend told police she had not returned from a morning run, authorities said. She was unconscious and had “visible injuries” when officers found her, Clark said.
“When you have a suspect that’s on the loose, there’s always a danger but there’s no immediate danger at this time,” Clark said.
Riley was a student at the Augusta University College of Nursing’s Athens campus, the school said in a statement. Foul play in suspected, school officials said.
Officers searching the area found the woman’s body in a forested area behind Lake Herrick. That area is across a busy road from a large dorm and dining hall complex on what’s commonly called “East Campus.” Most of the students in those dorms are freshmen.
Clark said his department, along with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, were conducting the investigation. He noted that there has not been a homicide on campus in the last 20 years.
“We’re not going to leave any rock unturned in this investigation,” he said.
The University of Georgia canceled classes Friday. Augusta University canceled classes at its Athens campus but said it will remain open as a gathering place for students, faculty and staff.
The death “hits a little too close to home,” said Veronica Bennett, the mother of a University of Georgia student. She’s part of a group of moms pushing for security improvements on campus that go beyond the school’s safety app, WSB-TV reported.
“As a parent, I get tired of that being UGA’s go-to. Oh, we have the safety app. Well, the safety app is not much of a deterrent,” Bennett told the Atlanta TV station.
veryGood! (9)
Related
- Nearly 400 USAID contract employees laid off in wake of Trump's 'stop work' order
- Founding member of experimental rock band Mr. Bungle suspected of killing girlfriend in California
- Father, son in Texas arrested in murder of pregnant teen Savanah Soto and boyfriend
- Don Read, who led Montana to first national college football title, dies at 90
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- Justice Department sues Texas, Gov. Abbott over state law allowing migrant arrests, deportations
- Ailing, 53-year-old female elephant euthanized at Los Angeles Zoo
- Georgia deputy fatally struck by Alabama police car in high-speed chase across state lines
- Will the 'Yellowstone' finale be the last episode? What we know about Season 6, spinoffs
- Pro Bowl 2024 rosters announced: 49ers lead way with nine NFL all-star players
Ranking
- North Carolina justices rule for restaurants in COVID
- Felon used unregistered rifle in New Year’s chase and shootout with Honolulu police, records show
- Possible Ozempic side effects including hair loss and suicidal thoughts probed by FDA
- Nick Carter Breaks Silence on Sister Bobbie Jean Carter's Death
- Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
- Fire at home of Dolphins' star Tyreek Hill was accidental. Fire marshal reveals cause
- Striking doctors in England at loggerheads with hospitals over calls to return to work
- Kia EV9, Toyota Prius and Ford Super Duty pickup win 2024 North American SUV, car and truck awards
Recommendation
Finally, good retirement news! Southwest pilots' plan is a bright spot, experts say
New Jersey police seek killer of a Muslim cleric outside Newark mosque
NFL coach hot seat rankings: Where do Bill Belichick and others fall in final week?
Elections board rejects challenge of candidacy of a North Carolina state senator seeking a new seat
The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
Convicted murderer Garry Artman interviewed on his deathbed as Michigan detectives investigate unsolved killings
24 Hour Flash Deal— Get a $167 Amazon Fire Tablet Bundle for Just $79
Jeffrey Epstein document release highlights his sprawling connections across states