Posted on Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 10:10 a.m.
U-M student reports sexual assault in dormitory
By Lee Higgins
A female University of Michigan student reported Tuesday night that a male acquaintance sexually assaulted her at Mary Markley residence hall at 1503 Washington Heights, university police said.
The woman reported at 10:35 p.m. that she invited the man to her room and he sexually assaulted her, police spokeswoman Diane Brown said.
Officers searched for the man, but were unable to locate him, Brown said. Police will continue to search for him today, she said.
Brown did not have further details this morning.
Comments
notnecessary
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 4:46 p.m.
I don't know that it is proper to publish a photo/name of the suspect yet this early in the investigation. Unfortunately, sometimes stories like these are not entirely true by the victim and if there is at all any suspicion that is the case here I agree that it would be right to hold off on publishing that information until it is completely confirmed. Anyone can accuse their acquaintance to get back at them for something they might have did and have their name smeared in the paper/news. Not saying this is the case here, at all, I have no clue.
hifromdiana
Thu, Sep 15, 2011 : 1:44 p.m.
False rape reports are extremely rare. Yes, it's possible that she isn't telling the truth, but it is highly unlikely. The stress, stigma, exhaustion and backlash that go along with reporting a rape cannot be overstated. There are very few people who would bring that on themselves without cause.
racerx
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 4:10 p.m.
The one most glaring question is not known or addressed in this article; was the acquaintance also a UM student? Journalism 101, who, what, where, why and sometimes how.
JS
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 10:38 p.m.
I believe that including all pertinent information is still taught in JRN 101? That being said.... When?
Tru2Blu76
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 3:20 p.m.
Just asking: the dorms don't have security cameras, do they? I would think the university would have that much sense... but maybe not. It's a shame that such an activity as dating leads to such crimes. Remember, it's rare but sometimes female students are raped and then killed to prevent them from calling police. In all, this crime is too often devastating to the victims and their families. I also wonder if, in this case, there might be photos of the perp available for posting by police. I see no reason not to take all available measures in identifying this man to the public. Not even a description here? I think that's just odd.
trespass
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 7:32 p.m.
AA.com says it will not identify a sexual assault suspect until they are charged.
Ignatz
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 4:10 p.m.
If the suspect is actually a U-M student, their M Card picture could be published.
RJA
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 2:33 p.m.
Glad to hear the police will continue to search for him today, and that he will be found. We must be so careful as to who we invite into our room. It is great that she reported this in a time-ly manner. The fact that he was an (acquaintance) will help in the search.
hifromdiana
Thu, Sep 15, 2011 : 1:41 p.m.
She can invite whoever she wants into her room. It's his responsibility to not take advantage of that by raping her.