By David Fair
Ypsilanti, MI – Eastern Michigan University officials are responding to criticism over its release of information regarding the death of an EMU student in December.
22 year-old Laura Dickinson of Hastings was found dead in her Hill Hall dormitory room December 19th. EMU's initial press release on the incident said there was no obvious evidence of foul play, but police are backing the Washtenaw County Medical Examiner's account which he says indicated murder from the outset.
The university is now hiring outside counsel to conduct an investigation into the university's handling of the case. EMU Student Affairs Vice-President Jim Vick has been place on paid administrative leave while the investigation is conducted.
In a message to the university community, President John Fallon said the situation is a 'complicated matter, so the need for discretion and confidentiality collides with the expectation of full disclosure.'
EMU officials will discuss the case with students, faculty, and staff in open forum sessions.
Meanwhile, the suspect in Dickinson's murder was to be arraigned Tuesday in Washtenaw County Circuit Court. Orange Taylor the Third is charged with murder, sexual assault, and home invasion in the case.