Timeline and Facts:
Death
of a student on EMU's campus
Many people have expressed questions and
concerns about information released, or not
released, in the death of Laura Dickinson on
EMU's campus in December 2006.
The University would like to reiterate the facts and the
timeline of the Laura Dickinson case.
(March 1) Please Note:
In order to protect the integrity of the
case, some information has been removed from
this document at the request of law enforcement.
Dec. 15: EMU student Laura Dickinson
is found dead in her Hill Hall room. EMU’s
Department of Public Safety requests the assistance
of the Michigan State Police Crime Lab for processing
of the scene. A death investigation begins immediately. Investigators
from Michigan State Police, Washtenaw County Sheriffs Department
and Ypsilanti Police Department assist EMU Investigators.
Dec. 16: An all-campus release
is issued including all information provided to
the University from law enforcement and the medical
examiner’s office. Again, no cause of death
is issued by the medical examiner, and no additional details
are released. The release states that “EMU’s
Department of Public Safety is working closely with the
medical examiner’s office to determine the cause and
circumstance of death. At this point there is no reason
to suspect foul play.”
Dec. 18: The University issues
a release stating that the preliminary results
from the medical examiner’s autopsy are “indeterminate” and
that further testing and evaluation will be conducted by
the medical examiner.
Dec. 24: The University closes for Christmas
break.
Jan. 12: The University sends
an all-campus email to inform the campus community
that the “DPS investigation of the student
death at Hill Hall in December is ongoing.” The message
also states that the medical examiner still has not ruled
on the cause of death. “We certainly understand that
not knowing anything is uncomfortable for everyone, but
as soon as we know something definitive, we will let the
campus community know,” said Cindy Hall, chief of
public safety at EMU.
Jan. 13-Feb. 22: The crime lab
continues to process the information from the
scene. No new information is provided to EMU during
this time. The medical examiner’s office still has
not issued a cause of death in the case.
Feb. 23: EMU police are notified
of a test result from the evidence being evaluated
by the Michigan State Police Crime Lab. This key
piece of evidence, along with other case information,
is immediately presented to the Washtenaw County Prosecutors
Office. A judge then issues an arrest warrant for Orange
Taylor, III, a 20-year-old EMU student. Taylor is taken
into custody a short time later. The charges are homicide,
two counts of sexual criminal conduct, larceny and home
invasion. The Dickinson family was notified Friday evening
that a student had been in arrested in relation to Laura’s
death. The campus community is informed on the University
Web site of the arrest of a suspect.
Feb. 24: A letter is written
by Jim Vick, vice president of student affairs,
and sent to the parents of residence hall students
updating them on the situation.
Feb. 24: The suspect is arraigned
in Washtenaw County Court and held without bond
awaiting his preliminary hearing.
Feb. 25: EMU holds a public
forum for students to address questions and concerns.
Feb. 26: President Fallon releases a message
to the campus community about the situation.
Feb. 28: The medical examiner’s
office has not issued a cause of death. The police
investigation continues. All available information,
including this timeline, is posted to the EMU
web site.
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