Woman Murdered On The University Of Utah Campus Identified, Parents Release Statement On Her Killer

This is heartbreaking.

Last night, a woman was murdered on the University of Utah campus. She’s been identified as Lauren McCluskey. She was a senior majoring in communication, as well as a star athlete. She had a bright future ahead of her.

One student is confirmed deceased.

All morning and evening classes are canceled for Tues., 10/23. Campus services & facilities will remain open.

Support services are available for students, faculty and staff.

More info at https://t.co/sMi4tPwuZ7

— University of Utah (@UUtah) October 23, 2018

“Her family is understandably in shock at this news about their daughter. They are heartbroken. We have and continue to offer our full support to them at this terrible time.” – @UUtah President Ruth V. Watkins on the shooting death of student athlete Lauren McCluskey. #ksltv pic.twitter.com/jjgG5FrBga

— Shara Park (@KSLSharaPark) October 23, 2018

Our thoughts and prayers are with Lauren’s family and friends. pic.twitter.com/H5q3EKqYUo

— Mark Harlan (@MarkHarlan_AD) October 23, 2018

Her suspected killer has been identified as 37-year-old Melvin Rowland. He was found dead hours later. McCluskey’s parents released a statement and revealed that McCluskey dated him for about a month before breaking up with him on Oct. 9th. He’s a convicted sex offender but didn’t tell her.

“He lied to her about his name, his age, and his criminal history,” the statement said.

She broke up with him after discovering all of his lies.

The statement is heartbreaking. The last thing they heard her say? “No, no, no.”

#BREAKING: Lauren McCluskey’s parents release statement to @BronaghTumulty. Lauren’s mother says she was on the phone with her daughter last night. She says her daughter had dated Melvin Rowland for about a month. #2NewsAM pic.twitter.com/UOmbE22N26

— Holly Menino (@KUTVHolly) October 23, 2018

Melvin Rowland a registered sex offender has had 2 protective orders filed against him. One from 2004 and a dismissed protective order from 2015. pic.twitter.com/yaHBjFjxRw

— Heidi Hatch (@tvheidihatch) October 23, 2018

UPDATE: Melvin Rowland found dead overnight of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at a local church. He’s the suspect in the University of Utah shooting. Records indicate he was a registered sex offender. Right photo is most recent. @KSL5TV #KSLtv pic.twitter.com/hLLqqthbXX

— Andrew Wittenberg (@KSLAndrew) October 23, 2018

Melvin Rowland the suspected U of U shooter was convicted in 2004

ENTICING A MINOR/2ND DEGREE FELONY

FORCIBLE SEXUAL ABUSE-ATTEMPTED/3RD DEGREE FELONY

Date Convicted:07/19/2004
He was released from the Utah State Prison in 2013. pic.twitter.com/wKXJkLyAQE

— Heidi Hatch (@tvheidihatch) October 23, 2018

Prayers for her family. I can’t even imagine the pain they’re experiencing right now. My heart breaks for them.