By Associated Press
Auburn AL – The death of an Auburn University freshman who was found suffering from a gunshot wound several miles from campus is being investigated as a homicide, but school officials advised students Wednesday there was no indication others might be harmed.
Lauren Burk, 18, of Marietta, Ga., was found wounded on Alabama Highway 147 around 9 p.m. Tuesday, and Auburn police said her Honda Civic was found engulfed in flames at the campus about 20 minutes later. She was taken to East Alabama Medical Center, where she died Tuesday night.
University officials advised students in an e-mail around noon Wednesday that there was "no indication of additional danger to campus or student safety." But the school said the police presence on campus had been increased.
Auburn Police Capt. Tom Stofer said the death was being investigated as a homicide. There were no immediate arrests.
"We have not named a suspect and are still investigating leads," Stofer said, adding that officials are remaining tightlipped because of the circumstances of Burk's death.
"As soon as we know more we might release it, but what information we have now we're holding it close to our chest," he said.
He said Gov. Bob Riley's office is offering a $10,000 reward in the case.
Auburn President Jay Gogue, who was out of town Wednesday, released a statement: "We are so saddened by this situation, words simply aren't adequate. This is a close-knit community that rarely experiences such a tragedy."
An on-campus prayer vigil for Burk was being organized by her friends and a memorial was being planned by her sorority, Delta Gamma.
"Considering the unexpected and disturbing nature of the situation, the women of Delta Gamma have reacted with immense concern," the sorority's national office said in a statement. "Delta Gammas across the country offer hope and friendship to Lauren's family and all who have been affected by this tragedy."