Update: Kenosha Co. Sheriff's probe

Kenosha County Sheriff's Detectives have resolved the issue of racial threats at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.  There is absolutely no danger to the students at Parkside due to this threat.  Through investigation KSD's detectives were able to determine that there never was a threat of harm to students at Parkside.

One of the people on the list of targeted students has confessed that she created the list and other printed materials that were found in the Parkside dormitory.  Evidence led detectives to suspect one of the people on that list.  This evening mounting evidence pointed toward one party in particular.  When confronted with the evidence, the suspect confessed that she had made the list because she was not satisfied with the initial response from a resident assistant when that resident assistant was shown the rubber bands that were said to look like a noose.  The suspect wanted greater attention to that issue.

Detectives continue to investigate if there are other people involved in making the noose and/or the threatening written material.  No one is in custody at this time.  Sheriff Beth said, "Once we have a chance to put everything together and discuss this case with the District Attorney's office we will file charges.  Too many people were frightened and upset to let this case go without charges being filed."

UW-Parkside Chancellor Deborah Ford said, "It is good to find out that there was not an actual safety threat to our students."

UW-Parkside Police Chief James Heller said, "The safety of our students and the security of our campus is the highest priority.  I am glad that we can tell our students to rest easy tonight."

UW-Parkside Police have shifted from finding the perpetrator to protecting the perpetrator.  The name of the woman involved is being withheld in order to provide the opportunity to remove her from campus.  Obviously, a high volume of emotions were generated over the last 24 hours.  Those emotions need to air out and not become focused on an individual. 

More specific information will likely be released on Monday afternoon.

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ABOUT THIS STORY:

Story Status: Archived
Publish date: 2/3/2012

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