Missing student

[hapapp]

One other thing that I might add here and I will preface my comments by saying I'm not up on NC laws but:

I noticed last weekend that ASU is a "gun free campus." At least that was the sign at the book store. If this were not the case and students were allowed to conceal/carry then who knows......maybe the outcome could have been different.

Let's not go there.

[JonW]

I worked with the father, Dan Smith, during winter & summer breaks at UNC-G. This is a very kind and loving family going through an indescribable situation. I received a message from some UNC-G staff this morning that their faculty senate is meeting to start a fund in support of the Smith family. I'll post more information on here once that is relayed to me.

[App91]

It was reported on WCNC TV in Charlotte this morning that her parents confirmed that she told them she had been sexually assaulted.

Have not seen the CNC story but read the online disturber story (partners with CNC), twice to make sure, but NEVER mentioned the word "sexually". Says she was assaulted, but did not use the qualifier. I thought that odd myself as it seems they are trying to link the latest rape with that. Not sure if that is a media thing or a family thing.

[eggers76]

Whatever the circumstances are I am praying for her safe return to her parents.

[Rekdiver]

That's what we need on college campuses......everybody carrying guns. Come on man!

[asu66]

Several of the Charlotte media outlets (electronic and newsprint) reported last week that a source close to the investigation told them that the authorities had a "person of interest" in Anna's disappearance. When asked as late as yesterday, ASU PD chief Guenther Doerr would not respond to any questions on this topic. Clearly, the investigators know more than they're willing to tell. Some facts in this case would be known only to the investigators, the victim and any attacker(s) involved.

[AppGrad1]

That's what we need on college campuses......everybody carrying guns. Come on man!

Everyone would have a gun?? The way you stated it sends a negative vibe to those who would like to protect themselves as l long as they meet state guidelines.

[AppGrad1]

That's what we need on college campuses......everybody carrying guns. Come on man!

Everyone would have a gun?? The way you stated it sends a negative vibe to those who would like to protect themselves as l long as they meet state guidelines.

Might as well said " criminals, no one has any way to protect themselves at ASU. You are welcome to rob, rape and kill with no recourse".

[Gonzo]

But seriously, let's not go there.

This thread is no place for a gun control debate.

[AppGrad1]

But seriously, let's not go there.

This thread is no place for a gun control debate.

Ok.. agreed

[App91]

But seriously, let's not go there.

This thread is no place for a gun control debate.

Never thought I would say this!
Gonzo nominated as the voice of reason!
Agreed, good debate, but not here.

[Gonzo]

But seriously, let's not go there.

This thread is no place for a gun control debate.

Never thought I would say this!
Gonzo nominated as the voice of reason!
Agreed, good debate, but not here.

If I had a dollar for every time someone begrudgingly agreed with me, I'd be a rich man.

[AppinVA]

But seriously, let's not go there.

This thread is no place for a gun control debate.

Never thought I would say this!
Gonzo nominated as the voice of reason!
Agreed, good debate, but not here.

If I had a dollar for every time someone begrudgingly agreed with me, I'd be a rich man.

And if you had a dollar for every time someone called you a "voice of reason", you'd have a dollar.

[scatman77]

But seriously, let's not go there.

This thread is no place for a gun control debate.

I stand by my opinion but I also agree that the topic and debate is not appropriate here. The focus has to remain on the safe return of Ms. Smith to her family and to ASU.

[T-Dog]

App released a report saying they looked into a possible assault but there was nothing concrete to go with, but did say that without Anna, its hard to pursue a case.

The narrative seems to he that she got assaulted (possibly drugged) and ran away and with her extensive outdoor knowledge, could survive for a while. Not 100%, but that's what seems likely right now. Of course, a new detail could change that.

[YesAppCan]

From appstate.edu

Sept. 11 update regarding Anna Marie Smith

September 11, 2014, 4:53pm

BOONE—Police continue the search for Anna Marie Smith, the Appalachian State University student who was reported missing by her roommate on Wednesday, Sept. 3. The State Bureau of Investigation is investigating jointly with University Police, and they are using every reasonable available measure, including interviews, forensic examination of records, surveillance video analysis, and location searches, to attempt to locate Anna Smith.

As part of the initial investigation following her disappearance, University Police learned Sept. 3 of a possible off-campus assault. During the course of the investigation, no evidence was found to suggest a sexual assault had occurred.

Investigators identified and interviewed a number of people who had contact with her and who might have information about her whereabouts and any related circumstances. Those interviews produced no conclusive information regarding an assault. Conversations with Anna Smith or other concrete information would be necessary in order to move forward with investigating a possible assault.

In addition, there have been conflicting reports about items Smith may have had in her possession in Boone at the time of her disappearance from campus. Her cell phone and laptop were in the family’s possession. Subsequently the family provided them to University Police, and the items have undergone thorough forensic investigation by the State Bureau of Investigation.

Appalachian is committed to the safe return of Anna Smith, and the university has received countless hours of investigation support from local, regional, state and federal agencies.

University Police continue to ask anyone with information that could assist in the search for Anna Smith to call 828-262-2150 or submit an anonymous report at http://police.appstate.edu/crime-tip-submission-form

[App91]

Does this not sound like the Univ is trying to clear up some of the different versions of the story going around the media outlet? From the tone, they seem to be distancing the Univ. from any sort of finger pointing.?.? Not sure that I like where this seems to be leading. Hope I am being too quick to judge.

[firemoose]

Several of the Charlotte media outlets (electronic and newsprint) reported last week that a source close to the investigation told them that the authorities had a "person of interest" in Anna's disappearance. When asked as late as yesterday, ASU PD chief Guenther Doerr would not respond to any questions on this topic. Clearly, the investigators know more than they're willing to tell. Some facts in this case would be known only to the investigators, the victim and any attacker(s) involved.

In nearly every police investigation certain pertinent information that only the perpetrator(s) and victim(s) would know are withheld from the public to help in identification. There are a lot of sick people out there who will confess to murders, kidnappings, rapes, etc, just to make themselves known or to draw interest to themselves. This way you can separate the kooks from the real people involved. Happens all the time. Unfortunately sometimes when there are similar cases happening at the same time wires can get crossed and people can confuse one situation with another.

Regardless I pray for her safe return and for the person who is being sought for the assault on the other victim from the 28th on the trail above the tennis courts to be caught. This is App State and Boone. We are all Mountaineers and we stand together when one of our own is hurt.

[AppAttack]

I know there are potential problems, but every young woman should have a tracking chip implanted.

[App91]

As the Father of a 12 yr old, i completely agree!