When 22-year-old Laken Riley never returned after going for a morning run on the University of Georgia campus, her roommate became concerned and called campus police.
The nursing student’s body was found a short time later with “visible injuries” in a wooded area behind Lake Herrick near UGA’s intramurals on campus, according to University of Georgia Police Chief Jeffrey L. Clark. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators said they believe foul play played a role in Riley’s death, and that the suspect remains at large, sparking fear on campus with some students expressing concern for their safety.
No arrests have been made, but on Friday police announced that a person of interest had been detained for questioning.
Here’s what we know so far:
Who was Lake Hope Riley?
Laken Riley was a nursing student at Augusta University, which has an Athens campus.
Riley was from Woodstock, Georgia, a 2020 graduate of River Ridge High School, where she ran cross country and was a member of the track team. Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
She was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority at UGA and an avid runner who completed the AthHalf Half Marathon in October. She made the dean’s list at Augusta University in the fall of 2023.
Riley went for a morning run on the intramural fields on the University of Georgia campus but never returned.
Augusta University said they are in partnership with UGA, which allows students to participate in UGA campus activities.
The person concerned is being questioned
A police spokesman said Friday that a person of interest is being questioned as part of the investigation into Riley’s death.
He said the person involved had been identified and was being questioned in police custody, but he would not give further details.
The cause and manner of Riley’s death have not yet been disclosed, but police suspect foul play.
Homicide suspected in death of nursing student
Investigators say they believe foul play is suspected in Riley’s death.
Coroner Sonny Wilson told CNN the cause and manner of his death are pending an examination of the body, which is scheduled for Friday.
At a news conference Thursday night, UGA Police Chief Jeff Clark said there were no suspects at the time. Although a suspect is at large, Clark said, “There’s always danger, but there’s no immediate danger right now.”
He pointed out that there has been no murder on campus for the last 20 years.
“We will leave no stone unturned in this investigation,” he said.
UGAPD is working with the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation in the ongoing investigation. The Athens medical examiner confirmed Friday that Riley’s body was taken to the GBI Crime Lab in DeKalb County.
Mother made a heartbreaking post about her daughter the day before she was found dead
The day before Laken Riley’s body was found on the University of Georgia campus, her mother, Allyson Phillips, shared a heartbreaking post about missing her on a trip to Colorado on Wednesday.
“We had a great time with wonderful friends celebrating Brinda’s birthday in Crested Butte, CO! Massages, skiing, great food and beautiful views! The only thing missing was Laken Riley ¤ï¸,” she wrote along with a series of photos of their family.
The next day, Riley was found dead. His death is currently under investigation.
Community mourns the loss of Laken Riley
Augusta University President Brooks A. Keel released a letter to the school community about the tragedy.
“It is with great sadness that I share with you the news of the death of a student at our Athens School of Nursing campus.”
The incident occurred a day after a student committed suicide on campus on Wednesday night.
In the statement made by the university, it was said: “The last 24 hours have been a traumatic period for our University.”
“Our student community is saddened by the sudden death of a student in Brumby Hall last night. “And as we continue to mourn this tragic loss of life, today’s devastating news will uniquely test the resolve of our campus community, especially our students.”
Authorities confirmed that the suicide and Riley’s death were not related.
On Thursday, students in Athens gathered for a memorial service to remember Riley and support each other through a troubling 24 hours.
“It’s like I have to be extra, extra careful and extra protective, and it’s so scary,” one student told FOX5.
Students are encouraged to contact Student Care and Outreach and Counseling and Psychiatric Services for grief support and assistance.
All classes at the University of Georgia’s Athens campus were canceled Friday and will resume Monday, the university said.