IUPD reveals handgun was used in female student death

As of 4:18 p.m. Thursday, IU Police Department Chief of Police Keith Cash confirmed that a handgun was used in the death of freshmen Kira Riley.

“All the information and evidence we have collected supports the initial report of a suicide,” Cash said in an email.

Cash added that he cannot comment any further on forensic details until the coroner’s investigation, which usually takes several weeks, is complete.

Riley was found in her dorm room in Briscoe Quad on Tuesday afternoon and was confirmed dead on the scene, according to IUPD.

Since then, Briscoe Quad staff members have been encouraging students to support each other.

“Our thoughts go out to the friends, floor-mates and family affected by this loss, and we encourage everyone to reach out to all of those in need of support, no matter who they are,” said a statement released Thursday by Briscoe.

The statement also expressed sadness for the loss of Riley.

“It is a tragedy to lose a fellow resident of our building; it is even more of a tragedy to lose a fellow human being.”

Remembrance Event
3 p.m. Sunday at the Indiana Memorial Union Whittenberger Auditorium.
A campus remembrance event for the recent deaths of IU students.