Counselors on Hand After Body of Woman Found in Creek On University of Texas Campus

Police say they have not identified the victim found on campus on Tuesday

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Photo: Marshall Tidrick/The Daily Texan/AP

University of Texas officials have increased counseling services for students after the body of a woman was found Tuesday morning in a creek on campus.

University officials announced on Tuesday that the school’s Counseling and Mental Health Center would have extended hours for the remainder of the week as officials investigate the “possible homicide” of a woman found the same day in Waller Creek, a wooded area near the campus’s alumni center.

“Support groups are available for students from noon- 1 p.m. and 5-6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. No appointment necessary,” officials said in a statement. “It’s always important to remember that Longhorns take care of one another and themselves.”

The body, found Tuesday morning, has not been identified, Capt. Don Barett of the university’s police department said at a news conference Tuesday afternoon.

“UTPD has increased bicycle and foot patrols on campus,” he said. “Walk in groups, especially at night. Don’t walk disrupted by your phone or ear buds.”

Still, officials say there is no reason to be worried about campus safety and classes will continue to go on as scheduled.

“This is a tragic day for our faculty and students. Our home has been violated,” said the university’s president Gregory Fenves.

Shortly before 10:45 a.m., the university’s police department responded to a call regarding a body found in the creek, a flood-prone stream which begins north of the university and flows through the city’s downtown area.

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Dance and theater classes were cancelled along with production rehearsals, according to an email obtained by the campus newspaper The Daily Texan.

A community gathering was expected to take place on campus Tuesday evening. “We know this is a difficult time,” marketing director Cassandra Gholston said in the email.

UT president Fenves said the homicide investigation is being actively pursued by multiple law enforcement agencies.

“My heart and our hearts go out to the victim and to their family,” Fenves said. “We will be investigating this very heavily.”

The police is asking for those with any possible information related to the crime to call (512) 471-4441.

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