Updated Suspect Photo, Funeral Arrangements

NEWS ADVISORY:
CURRENT INFORMATION ON INVESTIGATION INTO SHOOTING;
FUNERAL AND MEMORIAL PLANS, ENHANCED SUSPECT PHOTO IS READY

In relation to the shooting death of Officer Michael Blankenship of the
Ohio State University Police Department, the university has the following
pieces of updated information:

The OSU Police Department now has available computer-enhanced versions of
the photo of the suspect in this case.  The photo was taken by the security
camera in the Wexner Center lobby.  Photos may be picked up at the police
department headquarters on Millikin Road (just north of the bookstore and
opposite the Northwest Parking Ramp).

A telephone tip line has been set up for the public to call if they have
information that could help in the investigation: 645-4545.

The funeral for Officer Blankenship will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday on
the Ohio State campus.  The location has not yet been finalized.  More
details will be available tomorrow.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Shoemaker Funeral Home, 2830
Cleveland Ave.  Calling hours will be 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, with an
F.O.P. service at 7:30 p.m; and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, with a
Masonic service at 7:30 p.m.

Students will lead a candlelight memorial service at 6 p.m. Thursday in the
pedestrian mall between the Wexner Center and Sullivant Hall.  The service
is open to all.  

The Wexner Center will reopen at noon Wednesday.  The University will
continue its normal classes and operations, but has cancelled several
celebratory events in the next few days.  These include a pep rally-style
recognition event to honor the Rose Bowl victors that was to be hosted by
the General Assembly at the Statehouse rotunda Wednesday evening.  Also
postponed is President Gee's annual reception for members of the Columbus
area news media, which was to be held at his residence Wednesday evening.
                                       #

Contact: Ruth Gerstner, University Communications, 292-8424.


[Submitted by: Ruth Gerstner  (gerstner.2@osu.edu)
               
Tue, 11 Feb 1997 17:13:39 -0500]
All documents are the responsibility of their originator.