|
|
How To Cope With A Serial Killer That Claimed A Campus StudentDec 27 '04 Write an essay on this topic.The Bottom Line Be strong, know your surroundings and stay SAFE! This situation probably won't happen to you (or your children) during your college years and I certainly hope it doesn't because this was a nightmare. I work at Louisiana State University. Last year the news of a serial killer in Baton Rouge made national news. On May 27, 2003 Derrick Todd Lee was arrested after DNA evidence connected him with the murder of an LSU student, Carrie Lynn Yoder. I did not know Carrie personally but I did know her boyfriend who was a Graduate Student in our department. This situation really hit home for me. I also had a college age daughter and worried continually of her coming and goings. My mother worried about me going to work every day and called each day to voice her concerns, but mainly to make sure I was ok. Several months later DNA linked Lee to 4 other rape and murder victims in the Baton Rouge area. All victims were murdered violently. In total, Lee was linked to 7 murder victims and an assault/attempted rape on another woman. Because of this first link to a college student, security was stepped up to a high volume on campus. The timing of all these murders occurred between 1998 and 2003. By the end of 2002, several incidences had occurred close to campus. Students were shocked and in a panic. Faculty and staff were also shocked. Soon special programs were held on campus to raise awareness levels of you and your surroundings. A national specialist was even brought in to talk to faculty, staff and students about serial killers and how they think. Updates were aired continually on the radio and newspapers. Campus Safety went to the trouble of having posters, stickers, and key chain emblems made. They all contained safety information as well as the phone numbers to all local police stations. Special meetings were held to discuss how to make the campus safer. Many suggestions were put into effect. New campus transit was put in force for evening classes. More lighting was installed on campus. The buddy system was suggested for all students when leaving class and campus. It was also stressed for anyone to call Campus Police with any suspicious actions seen or heard on campus. Precautions You Can Take To Stay Safe 1. Take a RAD (Rape Aggression Defense) Class. This is highly suggested for all females, not only students! 2. Know where your Campus Police station is located and the phone number. Add the phone number to your speed dial on your cell phone. 3. Know the location of call boxes on campus for emergency phone calls. 4. Enable the buddy system. Have your best friend always know your whereabouts and time for return. better yet, do not go anywhere alone. 5. Stay informed. Listen to the news daily on the radio and/or TV. 6. Know your surroundings. Know where dead ends are on campus and do not put yourself in a delicate situation. 7. Stay alert. Watch the people around you. Know where you are going and don't make any stops or alter your routes to classes. 8. Walk in groups. You are safer in a crowd instead of walking alone. Do not walk alone to night classes. 9. Walk with confidence. Don't act like you are scared or afraid. This interprets your actions as an "easy" target. Keep your head up and keep a positive attitude. You want others to know you are ready for a fight if necessary. 10. Last, attend college meetings that address specific situations like this. You will be informed of additional security and security measures on campus. In closing Derrick Todd Lee is now sitting on death row. He has been convicted twice now of murder and sentenced to death. The other victim's families have to option to try Lee or not. It has been a very emotional time for all of these families. I have gotten to know Carrie's parents through this ordeal. They started a scholarship program for a student in Environmental Studies, Carrie's field of study. Carrie was only a few months away from graduation when she was killed. I decided to write this in memory of Carrie in the hopes that I helped a college student somewhere stay SAFE and avoid an attack or worse. © 2004 Birdfeather  |
| Read all comments (6)|Write your own comment |
- Top 100|
Ads by Google
|
