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.
