Statement From Robert Deane,
Chief of WKU Police
May 07, 2003
View the press conference in streaming RealVideo
Bowling Green, Ky. -
Shortly after 4 a.m. on Sunday, May 4, we received a call of a fire alarm at Hugh Poland Hall. Officers found smoke coming from a second floor room. When firefighters from the Bowling Green Fire Department arrived at 4:11 a.m., they discovered that the sprinkler system had extinguished the fire, but also found an injured and unresponsive student. She was rescued from the room and firefighters immediately begin rendering medical attention.
The student, Melissa K. Autry, 18, a freshman from Pellville, Kentucky, was taken to the Medical Center at Bowling Green, then transferred to Vanderbilt University Hospital. She remains in critical condition with third-degree burns. She had also incurred some what appeared to be superficial puncture wounds to her face and neck.
Given the seriousness of the situation, we have treated this as a criminal investigation from the beginning. We secured the room and, with the help of several city and state agencies, began trying to piece together how this tragic event occurred. The agencies involved have included Western Kentucky University Police, the Kentucky State Fire Marshal's Office, Bowling Green Fire Department, Bowling Green Police, Kentucky State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. As you can see from the expertise we've assembled, we are dedicated to discovering how this happened.
To date, more than 16 investigators have sifted through evidence in the room and interviewed more than 100 people. We are following all leads.
Understand that we are dealing with a very sensitive and serious investigation. The release of some details could compromise the integrity of this investigation. We are also dealing with a large amount of information that has to be processed and verified before it can be released. This is critical.
I can tell you this—we have determined that this fire was set. It was not an accident. I am not prepared to go into detail because that could compromise our investigation. We will continue to provide regular updates to release information that will not jeopardize the investigation.
As this investigation continues, we are asking anyone who might have information connected with this incident to call WKU Police at 745-2548. That information will be given to the appropriate investigator.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Katie and her family at this very difficult time. Thank you for coming today. I'd like for Bob Edwards and Bob Skipper to come forward and they will take any questions you may have.
