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Freshman Female Killed, Burning Car Found on Campus
By Katie Noland / Copy Editor Lauren Burk Lauren Burk, an 18-year-old freshman in pre- graphic design from Marietta, Ga., was found Tuesday night at approximately 9:08 p.m. with a single gunshot wound, The Plainsman was first to report Wednesday. The Auburn Police Department confirmed at 4:10 p.m. there have been no other shootings or deaths on campus.

Burk’s body was found north of the Auburn University campus on U.S. Highway 147. The Lee County Sheriff’s office was investigating a location 4.9 miles north of Auburn’s campus.

The Plainsman was first to confirm that at approximately 9:27 p.m. Tuesday, Auburn police responded to a vehicle fire at Hinton Field RH-Zone parking lot behind the Hill residence halls.

The 2001 black Honda Civic that was engulfed in flames was registered to Burk, but no one was in the car.

After the discovery of her body, Burk was transported to East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika where she was pronounced dead.

Lee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating what they are calling an “unnatural death,” along with the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, the Auburn Police Department and the Lee County District Attorney’s Office.

Auburn President Jay Gouge, who was out of town Wednesday, released a statement saying, “We are so saddened by this situation, words simply aren’t adequate. This is a close-knit community that rarely experiences such a tragedy. Our heartfelt prayers and thoughts go out to those in Lauren’s community in Marietta, her friends in Auburn and especially her family.”

Confusion and shock spread throughout campus quickly Wednesday morning.

“I want to know what caused it, because obviously she was targeted,” said Jeni Young, a freshman in special education.

An e-mail was sent to all Auburn students at 12:03 p.m. regarding Burk’s death.

“I was surprised we didn’t get an e-mail earlier,” said Megan Kuenzli, a freshman in elementary education.

Burk was a member of Delta Gamma sorority, which released a statement on the Auburn University Web site Wednesday afternoon concerning Burk’s death.

“Considering the unexpected and disturbing nature of the situation, the women of Delta Gamma have reacted with immense concern. Delta Gamma Fraternity will partner with the University to support the chapter as they come to terms with the loss of their sister and friend. Delta Gammas across the country offer hope and friendship to Lauren’s family and all who have been affected by this tragedy.”

The Auburn Police Department, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Alabama Forensic Sciences Department are investigating the shooting and looking for the killer or killers.

“I have given any assistance I can to this investigation, and hopefully this will soon come to a conclusion and then we will begin the prosecution,” said District Attorney Nick Abbet.

A vigil will be held tonight at 5 p.m. in the C-Zone behind the Hill residence Halls.