When 22-year-old Laken Riley never returned after going for a morning run on the University of Georgia campus, her roommate grew worried 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 UGA’s intramural 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 who voiced concerned about 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 an Athens campus.
Riley was from 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 the Alpha Chi Omega sorority at UGA and was an avid runner who had completed the AthHalf Half Marathon in October. In fall 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 in a partnership 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 spokesperson said on 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 nursing student’s death
Investigators say they believe foul play is suspected in Riley’s death.
Coroner Sonny Wilson told CNN that her cause and manner of death are pending an examination of the body, which is scheduled for Friday.
In a press conference on Thursday night, UGA Chief of Police Jeff Clark stated there were no suspects at the time. While there is a suspect on the loose, Clark said “there is always a danger, but there is no immediate danger at this time.”
He pointed out 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.
UGAPD is working with the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation in the ongoing investigation. The Athens coroner confirmed on Friday that Riley’s body was taken to the GBI Crime Lab in DeKalb County.
Mother shares heartbreaking post about daughter a day before she was found dead
A day before Laken Riley’s body was found at the University of Georgia campus, her mother Allyson Phillips shared on Wednesday a heartbreaking post about missing her on a trip to Colorado.
“We had a great time with great friends celebrating Brinda’s birthday in Crested Butte, CO! Massages, skiing, great food and beautiful views! Only thing missing was Laken Riley â¤ï¸,” she wrote with a series of photos of their family.
The following day, Riley was found dead. Her death is now under investigation.
Community mourns Laken Riley
Augusta University President Brooks A. Keel released a letter to his school’s community about the tragedy.
“It is with deepest sorrow that I share with you the news that one of our students at our College of Nursing campus at Athens has passed away.”
The incident comes within a day of of a suicide of a student on campus on Wednesday night.
“The past 24 hours have been a traumatic time for our University,” the university wrote in a statement.
“Our student body is grieving the sudden death of one our students in Brumby Hall last night. And as we continue to mourn that tragic loss of life, today’s devastating news will uniquely test the resolve of our campus community, particularly our students.”
Officials confirmed the suicide and Riley’s death were not connected.
On Thursday, students in Athens gathered for a vigil to remember Riley and support each other during what had become a distressing 24 hours.
“It’s just like I have to be extra, extra careful and be extra protective, and it’s just super scary,” one student told FOX5.
Students are advised to reach out to the Student Care and Outreach and Counseling and Psychiatric Services for grief support and assistance.
All classes on the University of Georgia’s Athens campus were canceled for Friday and will resume Monday, the university said.
