A Winthrop student was sexually assaulted in the morning hours of Nov. 16 in Phelps Hall and the investigation is still active and ongoing.
The Johnsonian contacted Yearta on Monday, Nov. 29 to inquire about any updates on the case to which Yearta responded, “Currently the case has developed several leads and we are continuing to follow these leads down in order to advance the investigation. However, there is no new information that I can share out publicly. I would, however, continue to urge all individuals to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activity, and remind residents not to let individuals into the residence halls.”
Yearta asked the Winthrop community for help in identifying the assailant in an email sent on Nov. 22.
“The assault took place on 11/16/2021 at approximately 10:00 hours. We do not believe the individual and her assailant knew each other. Through the investigation, we do not believe the suspect is affiliated with Winthrop University,” Yearta wrote. “However, in order to continue the investigation and rule out all possibilities, we are asking you to review the below information and attached photos.”
WUPD also informed that at the time of the incident, the suspect was wearing a dark blue or black baseball hat with a small white in color logo, a primarily light blue Carolina Panthers jacket or sweatshirt (the shoulder area being dark blue in color), dark-colored (possibly grey) pants and black athletics shoes with white bottom trim.
Interim Director for Residence Life Howard Seidler hosted a Zoom meeting Thursday evening, where Interim Dean of Students Anthony Davis, Assistant Director of Residence Life Julie Schrader, Title IX Coordinator and ADA Compliance Officer Kevin Sheppard, Yearta and other faculty members were present.
The meeting was only open to Phelps residents due to a said desire to create a safe space for Phelps residents to voice their concerns and ask questions. Information about the meeting for Phelps residents was provided by Managing Editor Chase Duncan who is also a Phelps resident.
According to Yearta, all current evidence suggests that the suspect is not affiliated with the university.
Students were encouraged not to leave residence hall entryway doors open for people behind them, keep dormitory doors locked at all times and keep WUPD’s number handy in case they witness any strange activity.
At this time, the investigation by WUPD is active and ongoing and the entire Winthrop community is being asked to examine these photos provided by WUPD and alert WUPD should one recognize the man in the picture or have any information regarding Tuesday’s assault.
“The Winthrop University Police Department (WUPD) is requesting that you look through all of the attachments and closely examine them. If after looking at the attachments you believe you might know who the suspect is, please respond back to this email and advise me with a name and/or any other pertinent information,” Yearta wrote in the email.
