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Black Van Seen In Area Of Student's Slaying
Police Caution College Students To Use Caution
POSTED: 6:34 am EDT May 21,
2008
UPDATED: 6:27 pm EDT May 21,
2008
BOSTON -- Witnesses observed a black van leaving the area where a Northeastern University student was found dead on Tuesday, according to Boston police.Rebecca Payne, 22, of New Milford, Conn., was shot to death in her Mission Hill apartment, investigators said. Police received a radio call for a found body at 170 Parker Hill Ave. at about 6:50 a.m. Tuesday.
VIDEO: Police Probe Student's SlayingPreliminary investigation has determined that there were no obvious signs of forced entry. Several witnesses have reported hearing multiple gunshots between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m., and one witness observed a black van leaving the area."Investigators have not yet determined whether or not Rebecca knew her assailant. Detectives will continue to follow the evidence wherever it takes us and are actively pursuing all information that comes forward," Boston Police Department Superintendent Bruce Holloway said.Police have increased patrol presence to the neighborhood including placing additional walking beats. Officials have also reached out to local colleges and universities to distribute information, urging students to be vigilant of their surroundings and take appropriate safety precautions.Northeastern University President Joseph E. Aoun released a statement Wednesday saying Payne was a senior in the Bouvé College of Health Sciences.He said she was dedicated to her studies and was president of the Athletic Training Club. He said she also served on the Dean’s Council and was involved with the Lutheran Episcopal Campus Ministry."Becca epitomized all that is best about Northeastern University students. Having her taken so suddenly leaves a hole that will never be filled for her parents, Nicholas and Virginia, and her family and friends, as well as our entire university community," Aoun said.Anyone with information was asked to call police at 617-343-4470 or the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 800-494-TIPS or text 'TIP' to CRIME (27463).
VIDEO: Police Probe Student's SlayingPreliminary investigation has determined that there were no obvious signs of forced entry. Several witnesses have reported hearing multiple gunshots between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m., and one witness observed a black van leaving the area."Investigators have not yet determined whether or not Rebecca knew her assailant. Detectives will continue to follow the evidence wherever it takes us and are actively pursuing all information that comes forward," Boston Police Department Superintendent Bruce Holloway said.Police have increased patrol presence to the neighborhood including placing additional walking beats. Officials have also reached out to local colleges and universities to distribute information, urging students to be vigilant of their surroundings and take appropriate safety precautions.Northeastern University President Joseph E. Aoun released a statement Wednesday saying Payne was a senior in the Bouvé College of Health Sciences.He said she was dedicated to her studies and was president of the Athletic Training Club. He said she also served on the Dean’s Council and was involved with the Lutheran Episcopal Campus Ministry."Becca epitomized all that is best about Northeastern University students. Having her taken so suddenly leaves a hole that will never be filled for her parents, Nicholas and Virginia, and her family and friends, as well as our entire university community," Aoun said.Anyone with information was asked to call police at 617-343-4470 or the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 800-494-TIPS or text 'TIP' to CRIME (27463).Copyright 2008 by TheBostonChannel.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
