by When 22-year-old Laken Riley did not return after going for a morning run on the University of Georgia campus, her roommate became concerned and called campus police.
A short time later, the nursing student’s body was found with “visible injuries” in a wooded area behind Lake Herrick, near the UGA athletic fields on campus, according to University of Georgia Police Chief Jeffrey L. Clark. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators said they believe foul play was involved in Riley’s death, sparking fear across campus with some students expressing concern for their safety with the suspect still at large.
No arrests have been made, but on Friday, police announced that they have a person of interest in custody who is being questioned.
Here’s what we know so far:
Who was Laken Hope Riley?
Laken Riley was a nursing student at Augusta University, which has a campus in Athens.
Riley, a native of Woodstock, Georgia, graduated in 2020 from River Ridge High School, where she ran cross country and was a member of the track team, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
She was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority at UGA and was an avid runner who completed the AthHalf Half Marathon in October. In the fall of 2023, she made the Dean’s list at Augusta University.
Riley went for a morning run at the intramural fields on the University of Georgia campus, but never returned.
Augusta University said they are partnering with UGA, allowing students to participate in UGA campus activities.
Person of interest being questioned
A person of interest is being questioned as part of the investigation into Riley’s death, a police spokesman said Friday.
He said the person of interest has been identified and is in police custody being questioned, but would not give further details.
Riley’s cause and manner of death have not been released, but police suspect foul play.
Foul play suspected in the nursing student’s death
Investigators say they believe foul play is suspected in Riley’s death.
Coroner Sonny Wilson told CNN that the cause and manner of her death are pending an autopsy, which is scheduled for Friday.
In a press conference Thursday night, UGA Police Chief Jeff Clark said there were no suspects at the time. While there are doubts at this point, Clark said “there’s always a risk, but there’s no immediate danger right now.”
He pointed out that there have been no homicides on campus in the last 20 years.
“We are not going to leave any 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 coroner confirmed Friday that Riley’s body was taken to the GBI Crime Lab in DeKalb County.
A mother shares a heartbreaking post about her daughter the day before she was found dead
A day before Laken Riley’s body was found on the University of Georgia campus, her mother Allyson Phillips shared a heartbreaking post Wednesday about her disappearance on a trip to Colorado.
“We had a great time with great friends celebrating Brinda’s birthday in Crested Butte, Co. Massage, skiing, great food and beautiful views! The only thing missing was Laken Riley â¤ï¸,” she wrote with a series of photos of her family.
The next day, Riley was found dead. Her death is now under investigation.
The community is mourning Laken Riley
Augusta University President Brooks A. Keel issued a letter to his school community about the tragedy.
“It is with great sadness that I share with you the news that one of our students on the College of Nursing campus in Athens has died.”
The incident comes within a day of the suicide of a student on campus on Wednesday night.
“The past 24 hours have been traumatic for our University,” the university wrote in a statement.
“Our students are saddened by the sudden death of one of our students in Brumby Hall last night. As we continue to mourn this tragic loss, today’s devastating news will test the unique efforts of our campus community, especially our students.”
Officials ruled it a suicide and Riley’s death was unrelated.
On Thursday, students gathered in Athens for a vigil to remember Riley and support each other during 24 hours of distress.
“It’s just like I have to be extra, extra careful and extra protective, and it’s really scary,” one student told FOX5.
Students are advised to contact the Student Care and Outreach and Counseling and Psychiatric Services for support and assistance.
All classes at the University of Georgia’s Athens campus were canceled for Friday and will resume Monday, the university said.
