Nursing student found dead on University of Georgia campus pictured
Fox News' Madison Scarpino reports on reaction from UGA campus.
Police were questioning a person of interest in Athens, Georgia, Friday, just 24 hours after they found a nursing student dead when she failed to return home from her morning jog, according to a University of Georgia official.
"University of Georgia police have identified a person of interest who is being questioned," UGA's Office of Marketing and Communications told Fox News Digital. "We want to stress this continues to be an active ongoing investigation, and we will provide updates as circumstances warrant."
A concerned friend called police for Laken Riley on Thursday around noon. The 22-year-old former University of Georgia student who was enrolled at the neighboring Augusta University in Athens had gone for a run through UGA's Intramural Fields that morning and never came back.
GEORGIA NURSING STUDENT FOUND DEAD ON UGA CAMPUS IDENTIFIED AS LAKEN RILEY.
Laken Riley poses for a photo posted to Facebook. Riley, a nursing student at the University of Georgia, was found dead near a lake on campus on Thursday, February 22, 2024. (Laken Riley/Facebook)
Within minutes, campus police found her body near Lake Herrick. She had "visible injuries" and authorities launched a homicide investigation.
After police announced they were questioning someone in the case, Riley's family members broke their silence with a post on her sister's Instagram.
This isn’t fair, and I will never understand it.
"The best sister and my built-in best friend from the very first second," her sister, Lauren Phillips, wrote. "This isn’t fair, and I will never understand it, but I know you are in heaven with the man you loved most right now. I’m not sure how I’m going to do this but it’s all going to be for you from now on. I cannot wait to give you the biggest hug someday. I will miss and love you forever, Laken."
"I thank God every day that you are a part of my life. You were the best friend, roommate, dog aunt, dancer, banner chair, sister, hair curler, student, advice giver, and so much more," her roommate, Sofia Magana, wrote. "Laken, I am so honored to call you my roommate and best friend. I love you more than words can describe, and I can’t wait to give you the biggest hug and kiss on the cheek one day. I love you forever."
University police led the investigation with help from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Athens-Clarke County police.
Laken Riley poses for a photo posted to Facebook. Riley, a nursing student at the University of Georgia, was found dead near a lake on campus on Thursday, February 22, 2024. (Allyson Phillips/Facebook)
FOX 5 Atlanta shared video of state investigators searching through a dumpster and bags of trash at a gas station across the street from an off-campus apartment complex with a large police presence around 1 p.m. Friday.
WATCH: Georgia police set up mobile command center after UGA student's death
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Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz said in a Thursday evening statement sharing his condolences and calling the death a "murder."
Athens-Clarke County police block traffic and investigate at the UGA intramural Fields after the body of a women was found with visible injuries in the woods around Lake Herrick in Athens, Georgia on Thursday, February 22, 2024. (Joshua L. Jones/ USA Today Network)
"I join everyone here at the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government in deep sadness over today's murder in our city," Girtz said. "We promise to do everything possible to collaborate with UGA PD to bring this investigation to a rapid conclusion, and will continue to work overtime to prevent further tragedies."
Fox News' Sarah Rumpf-Whitten contributed to this report.
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