Kristi Oberholzer contributing
University rocked by student murder; Auburn police on hunt for killer
Students mourn the loss of student Lauren Burk at a vigil Wednesday night. Burk, 18, a freshman in pre-graphic design, died Tuesday after a gunshot wound.
Pete Riley / PHOTO EDITOR
Freshman female killed by single gunshot; her car found on fire in RH-Zone
Lauren Burk, an 18-year-old freshman in pre-graphic design from Marietta, Ga., was found Tuesday night at approximately 9:08 p.m. with a single gunshot wound, The Plainsman was first to report Wednesday. Burk’s body was found north of the Auburn University campus on Alabama Highway 147 (North College Street). The Lee County Sheriff’s Office was investigating a location 4.9 miles north of Auburn’s campus.
The Plainsman was first to confirm that at approximately 9:27 p.m. Tuesday, Auburn police responded to a vehicle fire at the Hinton Field RH-Zone parking lot behind the Hill residence halls.
The 2001 black Honda Civic, which was engulfed in flames, was registered to Burk, but no one was inside the car.
After the discovery of her body, Burk was transported to East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika where she was pronounced dead.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating what they are calling an “unnatural death,” along with the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, the Auburn Police Department and the Lee County District Attorney’s Office.
Throughout Wednesday afternoon, rumors began to spread of additional deaths on campus, but both the University and the Auburn Police Department denied the rumors. An AU Alert message was sent out Wednesday afternoon to inform students there had been no other incidents. The University has increased security and police presence on campus.
Auburn President Jay Gouge, who was out of town Wednesday for a conference for SEC collegiate presidents, released a statement saying, “We are so saddened by this situation, words simply aren’t adequate. This is a close-knit community that rarely experiences such a tragedy. Our heartfelt prayers and thoughts go out to those in Lauren’s community in Marietta, her friends in Auburn and especially her family.”
Burk was a member of Delta Gamma sorority, which released a statement on the Auburn University Web site Wednesday afternoon concerning Burk’s death.
“Considering the unexpected and disturbing nature of the situation, the women of Delta Gamma have reacted with immense concern. Delta Gamma Fraternity will partner with the University to support the chapter as they come to terms with the loss of their sister and friend. Delta Gammas across the country offer hope and friendship to Lauren’s family and all who have been affected by this tragedy.”
A vigil was held Wednesday night near the location where her car was found. More than 100 students, many of whom were from Delta Gamma and other sororities, came to remember Burk.
Jay Seyfried, a junior in international business, went to George Walton High School with Lauren and knew her for more than four years.
“It still hasn’t really hit me,” Seyfried said. “It doesn’t seem real. She was one of the biggest sweethearts you would ever meet.”
Seyfried said some of Burk’s friends were making T-shirts and bumper stickers to remember her.
“I am speechless,” Seyfried said. “ It completely rocked our world.”
Confusion and shock spread throughout campus quickly as the news circulated Wednesday.
“I want to know what caused it, because obviously she was targeted,” said Jeni Young, a freshman in special education.
An e-mail was sent to all Auburn students at 12:03 p.m. Wednesday regarding Burk’s death, but some felt the notification should have been sent sooner.
“I was surprised we didn’t get an e-mail earlier,” said Megan Kuenzli, a freshman in elementary education.
This incident has also caused many students to question security around campus and local areas.
“You know to be careful, but you just don’t think about it as much at 9 o’clock when her car was found,” said Danny Klueter, a junior in finance. “This raises a lot of questions about safety in these parking lots,”
The Auburn Police Department, the Lee County Sheriff ‘s Office and the Alabama Forensic Sciences Department are investigating the shooting and looking for the killer or killers.
There is also an anonymous tip line dedicated to the investigation. Anyone with any information can call the Auburn Police Department at 334-501-7337.
“I have given any assistance I can to this investigation, and hopefully this will soon come to a conclusion, and then we will begin the prosecution,” said Lee County District Attorney Nick Abbet.
“It’s just a complete shock,” said Nathan Abbott, a junior in public administration. “You just don’t think this kind of thing will happen to someone you know. This is the stuff you see on TV.”
