- Publication: The Red and Black (University of Georgia student newspaper)
- Author: Cathleen Egan, Staff Writer
- Original Publication Date: Thursday, October 1, 1992
Despite a letter of complaint from a state representative to Gov. Zell Miller asking that the investigation into the murder of Jennifer Stone be turned over to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Athens-Clarke County police say their efforts to catch her killer will remain undaunted.
“They’re continuing their investigation. This is our first priority,” said Athens-Clarke County Chief of Police Ronald Chandler. “We are constantly pursuing this investigation and I have full confidence in our department. They’re working hard in trying to finish the investigation and arrest the perpetrator.”
Stone was found raped and strangled in her downtown Athens apartment last April, and police say they still have no solid leads.
In the letter, 3rd District Rep. Charles Poag demanded the crime be solved quickly because he feels the investigation into the murder of the University senior has dragged on too long.
“Mr. Hammrick (director of the GBI) informed me that the police officers in Athens-Clarke County have not asked the GBI to come in and take charge of the murder investigation,” the letter reads. “I ask you to order Director Hammrick and the GBI to take charge of this case and send all the necessary agents to Athens to solve it.”
Chandler said he thinks Poag might have assumed he could have used his political power to look into the GBI’s records.
“I don’t know what would have provoked this person to write a letter, but I have no knowledge of this person coming to our department and getting briefed on the case,” Chandler said. “We’ve been working hand-in-hand with the GBI.”
Poag also wrote, “I have a daughter in school at Athens and I am speaking for all the parents who have students at UGA, as well as the citizens of Georgia. This case has been dragging on for over five months and I want this murder solved.”
As for local complaints from parents in regard to the investigation, the police chief said concern is evident from the people, but there have been no doubts in his department.
“There are people I’ve seen locally that are concerned,” Chandler said, “but there’s been no undue pressure. We are still very close to possibly arresting someone.”
Stone’s close friend, Sandi Turner, said she is thankful for the police’s efforts.
“I think the police are working very diligently,” Turner said. “I think more people would like to see it solved, but they’ve put a lot of work into the investigation. Just because it’s not in the news every day doesn’t mean much. Something like this will be in the news a lot at first, but then it’ll trickle down.”
Carrie Shaw, president of Kappa Delta — Stone’s sorority, said her feelings about the police investigation have changed during the past five months.
“I thought it was very good then, they were very persistent,” she said. “I don’t think they’re doing a whole lot about it now. You don’t hear anything about it anymore, there aren’t any more updates.”
[Photo caption] Jennifer Stone (File)