UGA News

Georgia and Athens law enforcement agencies are confirming that the body of George Zinkhan, UGA professor wanted in connection to three shooting deaths, was found this morning.  For further information, see the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Athens Banner-Herald, and the Red and Black.

The University of Georgia administration sent out two emails to students, faculty, and staff today.  The first email announced the discovery of what was likely Zinkhan’s body and included a statement from President Mike Adams:

Subject:Athens-Clarke Police announcement and President Adams statement
Date:Sat, 9 May 2009 21:25:57
From:Official UGA Announcements <archnews@UGA.EDU>
To: <ARCHNEWS-E@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU>

TO: UGA Students, Faculty and Staff

The Athens-Clarke County Police Department announced today that it, along with federal and state agencies, has continued to search an area off of Cleveland Road near the Jackson County line with cadaver dogs in the search for former UGA marketing professor George Zinkhan, who is wanted in the shooting deaths of three people off-campus in Athens on April 25. The search area has been expanded from where Zinkhan’s vehicle was recovered on May 1. This morning a canine response team found a concealed body during its search of an area approximately 1.3 miles from where Zinkhan’s vehicle was recovered. The recovered body has been transported to the State Crime Lab for positive identification. Police say evidence at the scene is consistent with the description of George Zinkhan, but emphasize that no positive identification has been made at this time.

UGA President Michael F. Adams issued the following statement this afternoon:

We are grateful for the professional work of the local, state and federal law enforcement agencies that have cooperated to bring this intensive investigation to this point. I am especially appreciative of the UGA police for the measures they took to ensure that the campus community remained safe and secure as we have continued university business during this very trying time.

Again, I express my sincerest condolences to the loved ones and friends of the victims of this tragedy. Our hearts go out to each of them as they try to bring closure to and cope with the pain and sorrow these losses of life have caused them. May they ultimately find healing and peace.

##

The second email came later this evening announcing the positive identification of the body as that of former UGA professor George Zinkhan:

—– Original Message —–
Subject:Zinkhan identity confirmed
Date:Sat, 9 May 2009 22:45:35
From:Official UGA Announcements <archnews@UGA.EDU>
To: <ARCHNEWS-E@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU>

TO: UGA Students, Faculty and Staff

Athens Clarke-County Police announced Saturday evening that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the State Crime Lab have confirmed that the body found earlier Saturday off Cleveland Road in Clarke County is that of George M. Zinkhan III, the former UGA marketing professor wanted for shooting three people to death off-campus in Athens on April 25.

*UPDATE*

A Sunday article from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Rumors began swirling in Athens shortly after graduation that the body of wanted UGA professor George Zinkhan was found this morning.

We will post updates to this story as they come in.

Stay with UGANews.com for breaking news from the University of Georgia.

*UPDATE*

WAGA news in Atlanta is reporting (and now the Atlanta Journal-Constition is as well) that police have found the body of George Zinkhan close to the location of his Jeep.

Athens Clarke-County Police have released two sketches of wanted UGA professor George Zinkhan.  The sketches are what Zinkhan might look like without his hair and facial hair.  If you see this man or have any information, call 706-613-3888.

Further coverage from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Athens Banner-Herald, and Red and Black.

Breaking news, from UGA News.

UGA Alert sent the following message out around 8:15am:

Overnight in northwestern Clarke County, Athens-Clarke Police located the vehicle belonging to George Zinkhan, the former UGA professor wanted in the killing of three people.

Until he is located by police, as stated previously, please continue to use caution. Do not call 911 or the UGA Police unless there is an emergency or you have sighted George Zinkhan.

George Zinkhan, the UGA professor who shot and killed 3 people last Saturday, has not yet been located.

Stay with UGANews.com for more information.

*Update*

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the red Jeep that Zinkhan was last seen driving has been found.

*Update 2*

The AJC is reporting that Zinkhan’s cell phone was briefly on, and that is how they got a location to search.  The red Jeep was reportedly found around 11pm on Thursday night, and the police kept the information quiet in the hopes of locating Zinkhan last night.

*Update 3*

The Athens Banner-Herald is reporting that the Jeep was found in the area of Fowler Mill Road and Cleveland Road (Google map).  Cleveland Road Elementary School is on lock-down because it is close to the location of the Jeep.  ABH also reports FBI and Georgia Bureau of Investigation agents are on the scene.

*Update 4*

Around 11am, police pulled the red Jeep out of the wooded area.  The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has a photo of the Jeep, which appears to have the windows busted.

*Update 5 (Monday, May 4)*

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has confirmed with Athens-Clarke County Police that George Zinkhan’s passport was found in his red Jeep that was found on Friday.

*Update 6 (early Wednesday, May 6)*

The Athens Banner-Herald has confirmed that also found in Zinkhan’s jeep were his cell phone, laptop, and wallet (along with his passport).