Austin Police Asking Public for Help Finding Suspect in UT Student’s Murder

Austin Police have confirmed the identity of this week’s homicide on the University of Texas campus as Haruka Weiser (as pictured, photo from Facebook). At an afternoon press conference, police said that Haruka was last seen leaving a campus drama building on Sunday, April 3 between 9:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. Haruka’s roommates reported her missing on Monday, April 4 after Haruka never returned to her dorm room. Haruka was seen walking on the north side of the football stadium around 11:30 p.m. Sunday evening.

Police say the suspect was last seen with a red or pink woman’s bicycle on campus (that looks similar to the bicycle pictured above by Fox7 News). There is up to a $15,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s identification. Police are urging students and faculty to remain vigilant. Call the Austin Police Department Homicide Unit with any information at (512) 974-5372.

Haruka’s family issued a statement saying they were grateful for the support they’ve received and said that their beloved daughter, sister and friend was taken too soon.

University of Texas President Greg Fenves, and Austin Police held a press briefing on Haruka’s death. Fenves also released a statement about Haruka’s death which he called “a tragic loss for the UT community.”

He said Haruka was a “beloved member of the dance community, liked and admired by her classmates and respected by professor for her intelligence and spirit.”