The death of Nona Dirksmeyer is tragic in every sense. The sophomore music student was well-liked by her peers. So far, police have few clues.
“We are investigating an apparent homicide of a 19-year-old female,” says Russellville Police Chief James Bacon.
Chief Bacon says Dirksmeye was at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville.
Bacon says, “And at this point we're following up leads of different people, different contacts, people she attended school with trying to develop a timeline of what occurred throughout the day yesterday.”
Police say Dirksmeyer's body was discovered around 6:30 Thursday night by her boyfriend and his mother at Dirksmeyer's off-campus apartment. He says right now they are trying to determine an exact time and cause of death.
“At this point in time its foot work, I've got about 12 to 15 officers tracking down friends and family. Interviewing them and finding out about lifestyle, finding out about acquaintances.”
One of Dirksmeyer's friends is Ashley Neal. Ashley and Nona shared a class last semester. Neal says she's shocked someone would hurt such a nice person. “She was very friendly in class and everything, she was just sweet, talked to everybody," says Neal.
Friday, Arkansas Tech administrators issued a letter in support of the Dirksmeyer family. The university is also providing counseling for faculty and students.
But back at the apartment of this well liked music student there is nothing more than a yellow canvas to signal something went on there. Her mustang sits in its usual spot, but the question still lingers,
Who killed 19 year old Nona Dirksmeyer.
Right now the police say they do not have a cause of death are awaiting an autopsy report.