UT Students Call for Increase in Security after Murder on Campus
- By Sydny Shepard
- Apr 11, 2016
Students of the University of Texas in Austin are petitioning for an increase in security following the murder of freshman Haruka Weiser, an Oregon native on Sunday, April 3.
The drama major’s body was found in a creek near the campus alumni center and football stadium, a place that was frequently walked past by Weiser as it was between her dorm and the drama center. Police found, by analyzing text messages Weiser sent to friends, that she was walking to her dorm around 9:30 to 9:45 p.m. that night.
Police were able to place suspect, Meechaiel Criner, at the scene of the crime based on surveillance footage. When they arrested him, he was in possession of some of Weiner’s things, including her bike and laptop.
Despite the fact that a suspect has been apprehended, students on campus are still calling for more secure measures. In a petition on change.org, UT student Amanda Lanter calls for the increase in the number of blue-light telephones on the school’s 350-arce campus.
“The University could increase students' safety by adding more of these blue-light telephones to both the campus and nearby areas such as West Campus,” the petition reads. “An increase in these phones will provide a greater feeling of protection for students walking alone on campus, especially at night.”
The petition has been signed by nearly 700 supporters on the morning of April 11. To read more, visit the petition by clicking here.
About the Author
Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.