$10K Reward For Info on Walton Grad's Death

An Auburn University student with roots in Cobb County died Tuesday after being shot. Her car was found minutes later, engulfed in flames.

At 9:08 p.m. Tuesday, the Auburn Police Department responded to a call of an injured female on North College Street in Auburn. When they arrived, they found 18-year-old Lauren A. Burk suffering from a gunshot wound. She was taken to an area hospital where she later died.

Burk was a freshman at Auburn University and a graduate of Walton High School in Marietta.

About 20 minutes after police were called to the scene of Burk?s shooting, the Auburn Fire Department was called to a car fire on the Auburn University campus. When firefighters arrived, they found a 2001 black Honda Civic engulfed in flames. The car was registered to Burk.

?It is understood that many students, parents, and citizens will be concerned with safety issues on or around campus. Though there is insufficient information to assume any additional danger to others exists, the Auburn Police Division and Auburn University officials are taking all necessary precautions, including increasing police presence, to ensure the safety of our citizens,? a news release from the Auburn Police Department said.

Auburn Police Capt. Tom Stofer said the death was being investigated as a homicide. There were no immediate arrests.

"We have not named a suspect and are still investigating leads," Stofer said, adding that officials are remaining tightlipped because of the circumstances of Burk's death.

"As soon as we know more we might release it, but what information we have now we're holding it close to our chest," he said.

He said Gov. Bob Riley's office is offering a $10,000 reward in the case.

Auburn President Jay Gouge, who was out of town Wednesday, released a statement: "We are so saddened by this situation, words simply aren't adequate. This is a close-knit community that rarely experiences such a tragedy."

A memorial service for Burk will be held Saturday at noon at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church on Johnson Ferry Road in Marietta.

Burk's funeral will be held Sunday at 5:30 p.m. at Temple Kol Emeth on Old Canton Road in Marietta.

Auburn University issued the following statement on its Web site:

Update on student death

Auburn University Students:

Many of you and your parents have called, understandably concerned about a student who was found dead last night a few miles north of campus. City of Auburn Police are investigating. There is no indication of additional danger to campus or student safety. Even so, the Auburn Police Division and Auburn University officials are taking all necessary precautions, including increasing police presence, to ensure the safety of our students and employees. Meanwhile, students should be careful not just on campus, but within the larger community, and be alert at all times.

The following information was just provided by the City of Auburn Police:

On Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at approximately 9:08 p.m., Auburn Police responded to a call of an injured female on Alabama Highway 147 (North College Street). Upon arrival, officers found a female, later identified as 18 year old Lauren A. Burk, an Auburn University student, suffering from a single gunshot wound. Ms. Burk was transported by EMS to the East Alabama Medical Center where she succumbed to her injuries.

At approximately 9:27 p.m., Auburn Police received a call of a vehicle on fire in the Hinton Field parking lot located on Lem Morrison Drive on the Auburn University campus. The vehicle, a 2001 Black Honda Civic, was registered to the victim and was fully involved. Personnel from the Auburn Fire Division responded and extinguished the fire.

The case is under investigation by the Auburn Police Division with assistance from the Department of Forensic Sciences, the Lee County Sheriff's Office, and the Lee County District Attorney's Office. Law Enforcement officials are continuing to follow-up on all leads.

Students acquainted with the victim or others who would like to seek counseling support are encouraged to call the Student Counseling Services, 844-5123, which will see students on a walk-in basis, or by appointment, for group counseling or other sessions.

Please send your thoughts, your prayers, to the family of the victim.

Burk was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority. The sorority issued the following statement:

Delta Gamma Fraternity statement regarding member death at Auburn University

Delta Sigma chapter of Delta Gamma Fraternity at Auburn University tragically lost one of their members, Lauren Burk on March 5, 2008.

The proper city, university and Fraternity officials have all been notified and are taking the appropriate steps in investigating the situation. Chapter members have been encouraged to cooperate with the authorities.

Considering the unexpected and disturbing nature of the situation, the women of Delta Gamma have reacted with immense concern. A Regional Fraternity officer will be traveling to Auburn to support the chapter. Delta Gamma Fraternity will partner with the University to support the chapter as they come to terms with the loss of their sister and friend. Delta Gammas across the country offer hope and friendship to Lauren?s family and all who have been affected by this tragedy.

Details for a memorial service will be provided as they become available.

A memorial page has been set up on Facebook.com with photos of her friends and boyfriend, Sean McQuade, also a Walton grad and Auburn freshman. A message posted on McQuade's Facebook page Wednesday morning reads, "I miss you so much beautiful, you meant the world to me. You were the most amazing person I ever met, and I love you with all of my heart."

At Walton, students who knew Burk agreed.

"I played lacrosse with her freshman year, and she used to carpool with me," said Walton student Lisa Montamat. "She was the nicest girl ever. Nothing like this should have happened to her."

Student Drew Blackman agreed. "It was awful to hear, for something like that to happen to someone so great, is just horrible. I can't believe it happened," he said.

Auburn police said they are following any and all leads in the case.