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Notice given to UGA students, faculty and staff:
To the Members of the University of Georgia Community:
We have had a tragedy this weekend that has impacted Athens and the entire University of Georgia community. We are saddened by the shooting that took place Saturday, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of all those who have been affected. As we grieve, we are determined to move forward.
Over the past 24 hours, I have had several meetings with the senior administrative team and received briefings from campus and local law enforcement regarding measures of campus safety and security. UGA and Athens-Clarke County police have done an extraordinary job of providing a strong law enforcement presence as we enter the final week of classes, and I have great confidence in their abilities.
UGA will operate under a normal schedule this week with classes and other business. However, I urge everyone to continue to exercise caution until the suspect is apprehended.
In wake of this tragedy, the University Health Center, through the Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) unit, will provide grief counseling and support for UGA faculty, staff and students affected by these recent events. Should anyone need or desire such services, please contact CAPS at 706-542-1162. Between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. persons wishing to reach CAPS should call University Police dispatch at 706-542-2200 and ask for the CAPS on-call staff member.
As a reminder, police are still looking for George M. Zinkhan III, 57 years of age, 6-feet three-inches tall, 240 pounds, blue eyes, white male with a goatee, with light brown hair and some graying. He was last seen wearing a polo shirt and blue shorts with a backpack, and driving a 2005 reddish Jeep Liberty with Georgia tag AIX 1376. If you know his location or see him call 911. Please do not call 911 seeking information. Please do not call UGA Police asking questions. Only call to provide information that you may have regarding this matter. Police continue to urge members of the University community to use your best judgment in taking precautions while this suspect remains at large.
We will continue to share information with you regarding this matter as it becomes available.
Michael F. Adams,
President
ajackson@barrowcountynews.com
A Saturday afternoon shooting in Athens left three dead and three others injured at a Grady Avenue off-campus location.
University of Georgia Professor George Zinkhan III, 57, is an alleged perpetrator in the shootings and Athens-Clarke County Police and other area law enforcement continue their search for Zinkhan.
Killed in the shootings were Marie Bruce, Zinkhan’s wife, Ben Teague, 63, and Tom Tanner, 40.
The two men were said to be a part of a local theater group that Zinkhan was also involved with called the Town & Gown Players Inc.
The shooting occurred outside of the theater and witnesses say Zinkhan left his two young children inside the car when he opened fire. Later, Zinkhan dropped his children off at a neighbor’s house and fled. Athens-Clarke County Coroner Sonny Wilson said the victims were shot multiple times.
Two others were injured by shrapnel and their conditions have not yet been released
Published reports say there were two guns involved in the shooting and neither has been recovered.
Zinkhan is a white male, 6-feet-3-inches tall, 240 pounds and has blue eyes. He has a goatee with light brown hair and some graying. He is a professor of marketing at UGA.
Zinkhan was last seen near his residence on Chesterfield Road in Bogart wearing a Polo shirt, blue shorts and a backpack. He is thought to be driving a 2005, reddish Jeep Liberty with Georgia tag AIX 1376.
Authorities are asking the public to use extreme caution if contact is made with Zinkhan and to call 911 immediatly.
University President Michael F. Adams released the following statement regarding the matter:
"The University community is shocked and saddened by this tragic event. Our first thoughts are for safety of the community and for prompt apprehension of the person responsible. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of all those who have been affected."
