The university was rocked in the early morning hours of Monday, May, 3, when Yeardley Love, a women's lacrosse player at the school, was found dead in her bed by her roommate. George Huguely, a 22-year-old men's lacrosse player at the University of Virginia, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Charlottesville, Virginia Police say that the two seniors were in a relationship at some point in the past, but apparently not at the time of the murder.
Police have been mum about the details of the case so far except for releasing some sketch details. Love’s roommate apparently feared at first that Love was suffering from excessive alcohol intake, although no details about either of the women are available that explain the roommate’s belief. When authorities reached the scene, however, Yeardley was apparently already dead. No motives for the murder have been released by the police up this time, but they have revealed that Yeardley suffered from serious physical injury consistent with a physical assault. Police say that no weapons were used in the attack, suggesting that Huguely killed the woman with his bare hands. Other questions, such as what led the police to the suspect so quickly, have yet to be answered. The Richmond, Va. Medical Examiner’s office reports that it will be looking for any evidence of drugs or alcohol that may add clues to the physical evidence.

University Vice President Leonard Sandridge speaking to ESPN confirmed that the pair of athletes was due to graduate later in May. The campus is understandably shocked at this case where both the perpetrator and the victim were students. Even worse, both students had just come off of good season with their respective lacrosse teams: both were headed for post season tournaments. The number one ranked men’s team and the number four women’s team met with their coaches Monday evening to discuss the tragedy and how to proceed in its wake.

Reaction to the murder online has been one of sadness, anger, disbelief, and cynicism. Many opinions seem to be focused at whether Huguely’s privileged background would win him special treatment from the legal system.






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