By Todd Barin/Murphy News Service
The search for a missing University of Minnesota student has been moved to the Mississippi River after police found video evidence that she might have jumped or fallen from the 10th Street bridge into the water.
The Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) said video footage indicates the Carlson School of Management student Jennifer Houle, 22, entered the river on Friday morning.
Houle was last seen between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. Friday at the Blarney Pub and Grill, 412 14th St. Ave., S.E. in the Dinkytown section of Minneapolis that borders the U campus.
Police reported earlier that Houle’s purse had been found near the intersection of 11th Avenue and 4th Street at about 3 a.m. Friday, just a few blocks away from the bar.
Tim Busse, communications director for University Services, confirmed that MPD has requested the assistance of the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office in a water-recovery effort.
As did Rebecca Gilbuena of the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office.
“We are out there now and we were also out yesterday before any video surveillance was released,” she said. “We are focusing our efforts around the 10th Avenue bridge and the search is a multiple law enforcement (agency) effort.”
The water patrol, Gilbuena said, is using side-scan sonar and underwater remote operating vehicles to search the river for Houle.
Police also confirmed they are no longer looking for suspects in the incident. Until Houle is found or her body is recovered, no further information will come from the recovery team or the medical examiner’s office, where an autopsy would be performed.
The University of Minnesota along with the sisters of Pi Beta Phi sorority will hold a vigil for Houle on Tuesday, March 31st, at 7:40 pm at the Front Plaza of Coffman Memorial Union, the U’s Office for Fraternity and Sorority Life said. The U is asking those who plan to attend to bring their own flameless candle to honor Houle.
An earlier vigil was held Sunday in Houle’s hometown of Stillwater, outside of the high school from which Houle graduated. About 300 people attended, many of them her classmates and fellow members of the Pi Beta Phi sorority.
“Her uncle led us in prayer. It was a very somber tone and there was lots of hugging,” Eric Sandquist, a high school classmate and good friend of Houle’s said. “I saw people there that I didn’t expect to see. Teachers and other people who didn’t even know Jennifer showed up just to support the family.”
Official statements were released by MPD and the U:
MPD statement: “We extend our deepest condolences to the Houle family and all of Jennifer’s many friends. The Minneapolis Police Department and the family of Jennifer Houle wish to thank the many people who provided support, assistance, and information since Jennifer’s disappearance.” The press release added that, “The Houle family has requested privacy at this difficult time.”
U statement: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the news about Jennifer Houle, a Carlson School of Management student and Pi Beta Phi sorority member, who has been missing since Friday, March 27. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, classmates, and sorority sisters,” Danita Brown Young, vice provost for student affairs and dean of students, said.
The U said counseling and support services are available to students, staff and faculty. Counselors will be available for in person individual appointments at Boynton Health Service and University Counseling and Consulting Services. Walk-ins are welcome between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The U crisis line is available 24/7 at 612-301-4673.
Reporter Todd Barin is studying journalism at the University of Minnesota.