UGA Police Investigate Murder at Lake Harrick; Suspect on the Loose

ATHENS, Ga. – Police in Athens, Georgia are urging people to stay away from the general area around Lake Harrick following the murder of a woman on Thursday. The University of Georgia Police Chief Jeffrey Clark confirmed that foul play is suspected in the woman’s death and that the investigation is ongoing.

The victim, who was not a student at UGA, was a student at another school, according to Clark. The police chief declined to provide further details about the victim or her injuries due to the active nature of the investigation. This marks the first murder on the UGA campus in at least 20 years.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department are both assisting in the investigation. Additionally, UGA canceled classes on Friday in response to the tragedy. The two deaths that occurred within 24 hours of each other are considered unrelated by Clark.

The UGA administration expressed grief over the sudden deaths and acknowledged the traumatic impact on the university community. Mayor Kelly Girtz also issued a statement on social media, expressing the city’s support during this difficult time.

UGA police received a call on Thursday about a jogger who had not returned from the Intramural Fields. The jogger was found unconscious and was declared dead at the scene. Clark stated that every possible lead will be explored, including examining all available video footage.

The University of Georgia is reeling from the devastating news, and the investigation into the woman’s murder continues as the community mourns the tragic loss. The police chief emphasized the commitment to leaving no stone unturned in finding the perpetrator responsible for the senseless crime.