In another email message regarding the Zantop case addressed to "BlitzMail Users," College General Counsel Robert Donin emphatically urged students, faculty and staff with any information to come forward.
According to both Donin and Senior Assistant Attorney General Daniel Mullen, the reason for sending out such a request on Tuesday evening -- a week and a half after the initial announcement of the murders -- was simply to again advise students of the importance of coming forward and of the resources available.
"I felt it was important to remind people periodically," Donin explained, adding that if the case remains open, the community may receive further BlitzMail messages on this subject.
Students who spoke with The Dartmouth, however, felt that the email was an indication that the investigators may not have many concrete leads.
Dennis Recca '02 expressed concern that the case is nowhere near closure.
"To me, it's obvious that they're grasping at straws. I'm no expert, but it's been two weeks and they're still asking students for more information," he said.
Jason Harris '01, who also read Donin's email, had a similar opinion.
"I had a pretty good idea that [the investigators] were lost, but [Donin's BlitzMail] pretty much confirmed it," Harris said. "It's kind of scary that they have no information and no leads in a murder. Over two weeks later and they have nothing."
Donin, however, said students should not take this message or the recent decision to call in the FBI as an indication that authorities are running short on leads, saying, "We've been informed that the case is making progress."
While students with information have called into the Office of the General Counsel throughout the investigation, Donin reported a small spike in the volume of calls since he sent the BlitzMail to the campus.
According to Mullen, some leads coming from the many students interviewed thus far have been followed up on, though he could not say if authorities are currently pursuing any of these.
The questioning of students led some to believe that the investigation had not ruled out the possibility of a murderer within the community.
"I had a feeling that they're possibly considering that a student committed the murders," Adam Kipp '03 said in reaction to the BlitzMail message.
Donin wrote in his message that it is "critically important" that information related to the murders be passed on to the Office of the General Counsel or the state Attorney General's Office immediately.
Yesterday, authorities continued to urge anyone with information to contact investigators. "If you can think of anything, even if you think it's insignificant, please come forward," Mullen said.
