Purdue News

January 26, 1998

Police chief defends probe of student's death

The body of Tadesse Mulatu, 32, was found Jan. 20 in his room at the International Center. He had not been seen by friends or other residents since Jan. 16.

"A full and thorough investigation into the circumstances of Mr. Mulatu's death began immediately at the death scene, and the case is still being investigated," said William Coghill, the security director who also is the university's police chief. "Coroner and police department staff followed all investigative procedures, and the room was properly searched and secured. There was no evidence of any foul play in the death. Autopsy results were inconclusive, and pending toxicology test results may help determine the cause of death. That part of the investigation is now in the hands of the coroner's office. We certainly understand and sympathize with those who are upset and saddened by Mr. Mulatu's death. The death of a student is a serious matter, and we are making every effort to determine how it occurred."

In a letter to Purdue President Steven Beering that was copied to numerous administrators, the Association of Ethiopian Students and Scholars asked that "a thorough investigative job is done by the Purdue administration and the police to unambiguously determine the cause of our brother's death."

Source: William Coghill, (765) 494-8221
Writer: Greg Zawisza, (765) 494-2086; e-mail, greg_zawisza@purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu

To the Purdue News and Photos Page