MACON, Ga. -- Lauren Giddings, a 2006 graduate of Agnes Scott College, is presumed dead after Macon police discovered the body of a woman beside her apartment building last week.
Police said they'll have to wait for DNA testing by the FBI to confirm the body's identity, but they believe it is Giddings.
As late as Sunday, investigators were back searching for more clues inside her apartment, which sits right across from Mercer University, where Giddings graduated from Law School in May.
She disappeared on Saturday, June 25.
Five days later, police discovered the woman's body.
One of Giddings' neighbors, Stephen McDaniel, has since been charged with two counts of burglary.
McDaniel admits he went into Giddings' apartment with some friends the night before the body was found to do his own detective work.
"There was no sign of a struggle, no sign anyone had broken in, nothing," McDaniel told WMAZ-TV. "She was gone, but all her stuff was there. Her ID and wallet were there, but she was just gone."
Police Chief Mike Burns would not comment on reports that the body was dismembered.
The president of Agnes Scott College, Elizabeth Kiss, sent an e-mail to parents over the weekend:
"The Agnes Scott community is deeply saddened by the recent news surrounding the disappearance and reported possible death of Lauren Giddings, class of 2006. Lauren had just completed her law degree at Mercer University and was preparing for her bar exam when she disappeared from her apartment in Macon, Georgia. A political science major, varsity softball player, aspiring lawyer, and good and devoted friend, Lauren had a bright future ahead of her."
Mercer President William D. Underwood issued the following statement on Friday:
"Today the Mercer University community joins the family and friends of Lauren Giddings in our support of the determined efforts of law enforcement authorities to investigate the disappearance and apparent death of Lauren, a recent graduate of our law school. I ask that Mercerians everywhere keep Lauren's family and friends in their thoughts and prayers during this very difficult period in their lives."
Law School Dean Gary Simson released this statement:
"Words cannot adequately express the grief and sorrow that the law school community feels in these tragic circumstances. Lauren graduated from the law school this past May after three years in which she distinguished herself in and out of the classroom. Among the student organizations in which she played a vital role were the Federalist Society, where she served as president, and the Association of Women Law Students. She came to Mercer after graduating from Agnes Scott College, where she was the epitome of the student-athlete, excelling in both regards. She demonstrated outstanding character and great promise, and our hearts go out to her family in Laurel, Md., and to her many friends there and elsewhere."