• Publication: The Red and Black (University of Georgia student newspaper) — Weekend
• Author: Kristin Hubert, Staff Writer
• Original Publication Date: Friday, April 23, 1993

Ashlee Lansdell said her life changed after Jennifer Stone was found raped and strangled in her off-campus apartment one year ago today.

Lansdell, a senior from Atlanta, was one of Stone’s Kappa Delta sorority sisters, and a good friend.

“I don’t go anywhere by myself — ever,” Lansdell said. “And I certainly don’t live alone, not to say anything against (Stone) for doing it — she had every right to.”

Lansdell said Stone’s death taught her that “you don’t take life for granted.”

“You value life more,” she said. “You don’t just say ‘goodbye’ anymore — not like I did the last time I saw (Jenny), when we sat outside the chapter room, smoked cigarettes and bitched about life…and then she was gone.”

Stone’s death had an immediate impact on the University community in April 1992 as shocked students tried to reassure worried parents they were safe in Athens.

One year later, many students said the unsolved slaying still strongly influences their daily routines.

“I think it (Stone’s death) kind of scared everybody,” said sophomore Jill Hudnall. “It’s right downtown where people go, especially on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.”

Stone’s death has had an effect on students and “without a doubt, there’s been more of an interest in overall safety,” said John Hedin of the Athens-Clarke County Police Department.

University police offer a personal safety course for women, and since its implementation last spring, officers said they have talked with over 3,500 women.

But “even after Jenny Stone, you see so many people who still live alone and leave their windows open,” Officer Bill Gallagher said.

Although campus crime statistics often aren’t high, Nancy Zechella, administrative director for Safe Campuses Now, said the statistics tend to be misleading simply because most crimes against students happen off campus.

“About 5,000 students live on campus, while 22,000 live off campus,” Zechella said. “However, all of them party off campus.”

Gallagher said he strongly recommends students use the buddy system when they go out.

Michelle Fowler, a senior from Atlanta, echoed his advice.

“One thing that my parents always stressed was going places in numbers,” Fowler said. “I think that especially with all of the violence in Athens within the last year it just makes sense.”

Stone’s death has made students more aware and more sensitive to safety issues, Lansdell said.

“I think about it at least once a week,” Lansdell said. “It’s something that changed all our lives.”