Meechaiel Criner charged with the murder of Haruka Weiser
An arrest has been made in the murder of UT student Haruka Weiser. Police have identified the suspect as 17-year-old Meechaiel Criner.
Police say Criner is homeless. He has been booked at the Travis County Jail and charged with murder.
A crucial tip that helped find Criner came in after the Austin firefighters had responded to a small fire Monday involving a backpack. Police say the suspect was burning items belonging to Weiser. Police say woman called in the fire and the tip after images were released of the suspect.
UT President Gregory Fenves released the following statement.
Dear UT Community,
You may see media reports about developments into the investigation of Haruka Weiser’s murder.
I will address the media later this morning but at this moment, we are not at a point in the investigation at which I can discuss details. However, I assure you that Austin Police and other law enforcement agencies are working quickly to resolve this heinous crime against one of our students. I will remain in contact with you and share official information as soon as I can.
Please go to this link to view my public remarks at 10:30 a.m.: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/utaustin
In the meantime, increased police patrols will continue on campus, and university officials will work closely with the Texas Department of Public Safety to assess campus safety and security to identify possible improvements.
Most importantly, I ask that we all continue to support Haruka’s parents, family and classmates as they grieve their beloved daughter and friend. Our mourning is ongoing. Even as we hear new announcements and reports, we must honor Haruka’s life and, as her family said so eloquently yesterday, make her death an occasion to improve safety for others and “find some meaning behind an otherwise senseless and tragic death.”
Sincerely,
Gregory L. Fenves
President
The identity of this week's homicide on the University of Texas campus was confirmed as Weiser at a press conference on April 7. A surveillance video was released of a possible suspect at that time.
At the press conference, police said that Haruka was last seen leaving a drama building on Sunday, April 3 between 9:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. Haruka's roommates reported her missing on Monday, April 4 after Haruka never returned to her dorm room.
Police say the suspect was last seen with a red or pink woman's bicycle on campus. They're asking the public to call with any information they may have. There is up to a $15,000 reward for information leading to the suspect's identification. Police are urging students and faculty to remain vigilant.
Haruka's family issued a statement saying they were grateful for the support they've received and said that their beloved daughter, sister and friend was taken too soon.
University of Texas President Greg Fenves, and Austin Police held a press briefing on Haruka's death.
Fenves also released a statement about Haruka's death which he called "a tragic loss for the UT community."
He said Haruka was a "beloved member of the dance community, liked and admired by her classmates and respected by professor for her intelligence and spirit."
The full statement is as follows:
The suspect in this case is not known at this time. UT students and faculty should exhibit a high degree of awareness and vigilance until this suspect is arrested. Various agencies continue to assist UTPD with extra patrols.
The Capital Area Crime Stoppers, the Governor’s Crime Stoppers Program and the US Marshals office have offered a combined reward of $15,000.
Detectives are asking anyone with information, or who recognize the bicycle or any of the persons in the video, to contact APD Homicide at 512-974-5372.
Ways to report a tip anonymously include:
TIPS Hotline - 512-472-TIPS (8477) OR 1-800-893-TIPS (8477)
Text “tip103 + your message” to CRIMES (274637)
You can also download APD’s mobile app, Austin PD, for free on iPhone and Android.