Update: Candelight vigil for Samanata Shrestha rescheduled for Sunday, Feb. 23
Due to severe winter weather, the candlelight vigil plan for this evening has been postponed. The vigil will now be held on Sunday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. at the War Memorial Chapel lower terrace.
Update: Visitation hours and candlelight vigil announced for Samanata Shrestha
2:30 p.m. update: The family of Samanata Shrestha invites the university community to a visitation at McCoy Funeral Home in Blacksburg. It will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 12 from noon to 2 p.m.
In addition, two Virginia Tech student organizations, Epsilon Sigma Alpha and the Nepalese Student Association, will host a candlelight vigil on Thursday, Feb. 13, at 7 p.m. on the lower terrace of War Memorial Chapel, weather permitting. Should the weather make it necessary to change the time of the event, it will be posted to Virginia Tech News.
Noon: Blacksburg Police have just now officially identified the victim in this homicide case.
She is Samanata Shrestha, a Virginia Tech senior from Vienna, Va. A University Honors student, Shrestha was a biological science major in the College of Science with minors in psychology and medicine and society.
Crime alert: Blacksburg Police make arrests in homicide case
BLACKSBURG, Va., Feb. 10, 2014 – Noon: Blacksburg Police have arrested two individuals for the alleged murder of a Blacksburg resident. The suspects, Jessica Michelle Ewing and Keifer Kyle Brown are in custody. There is no immediate threat to the university community.
One suspect is a Virginia Tech student; the other is a recent graduate. The suspects live off campus in the Town of Blacksburg.
Those in the university community who may wish assistance or desire counseling support may contact:
- Cook Counseling Center at 540-231-6557
- Dean of Students Office at 540-231-3787
- Office of Housing and Residence Life at 540-231-6205
- Hokie Wellness at 540-231-2233 (students) or 540-231-8878 (employees)
- Employee Assistance Program
- Anthem at 1-855-223-9277
- Aetna at 1-888-238-6232
- Kaiser Permanente at 1-866-517-7042
- Referrals to a campus cleric may be done through the Dean of Students Office at 540-231-3787.
Virginia Tech Police would like to remind all community members of the following:
- Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.
- Report all suspicious people and circumstances immediately.
- Call Virginia Tech Police Department immediately to report all suspicious people and circumstances.
Blacksburg Police request public's assistance in homicide investigation
BLACKSBURG, Va., Feb. 10, 2014 – 9:30 a.m. On Feb. 9, Blacksburg Police began conducting a homicide investigation. The investigation is still ongoing and the Blacksburg Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a vehicle that may have been involved.
The vehicle is described as a Black 2004 Mercedes, C320, 4 door Sedan, with Virginia registration of JJZ-3731. The vehicle is believed to be unattended. View a picture of a similar make and model vehicle.
If anyone locates or has information as to the location of this vehicle, please contact the Blacksburg Police immediately at 540-961-1150.
