Auburn University Faculty and Students:

Many students and parents have called, understandably concerned about a student who was found dead last night a few miles north of campus. City of Auburn Police are investigating. There is no indication of additional danger to campus or student safety. Even so, the Auburn Police Division and Auburn University officials are taking all necessary precautions, including increasing police presence, to ensure the safety of our students and employees. Meanwhile, students should be careful not just on campus, but within the larger community, and be alert at all times.

The following information was just provided by the City of Auburn Police:

On Tuesday, March 4, 2008, at approximately 9:08 p.m., Auburn Police responded to a call of an injured female on Alabama Highway 147 (North College Street). Upon arrival, officers found a female, later identified as 18-year-old Lauren A. Burk, an Auburn University student, suffering from a single gunshot wound. Ms. Burk was transported by EMS to the East Alabama Medical Center where she succumbed to her injuries.

At approximately 9:27 p.m., Auburn Police received a call of a vehicle on fire in the Hinton Field parking lot located on Lem Morrison Drive on the Auburn University campus. The vehicle, a 2001 Black Honda Civic, was registered to the victim and was fully involved. Personnel from the Auburn Fire Division responded and extinguished the fire.

The case is under investigation by the Auburn Police Division with assistance from the Department of Forensic Sciences, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Lee County District Attorney’s Office. Law enforcement officials are continuing to follow up on all leads.

Students acquainted with the victim or others who would like to seek counseling support are encouraged to call the Student Counseling Services, 844-5123, which will see students on a walk-in basis, or by appointment, for group counseling or other sessions.

Please send your thoughts and prayers to the family of the victim.

Source: AU Daily