As some of the initial shock caused by the murders of Professors Half and Susanne Zantop wears off over one week after the killings, Dartmouth students are expressing mixed opinions about the case, the Attorney General's Office investigation and the ways in which the crime continues to affect their lives.
David Atterbury '04 described concerns echoed by many. "It makes me feel concerned that we don't know anything more about the case than we did a week ago," he said. "I am a little worried about the ability of the Attorney General's Office and the police to investigate a double homicide. It may not be something they are prepared to deal with."
However, Julie Greene '02 said she interpreted the tight-lipped conduct of the Attorney General as a prudent measure to preserve the integrity of the investigation.
"I don't think it's necessary that we know anything about the case, unless the information is somehow pertinent to our safety," Greene said. She added that "of course, I'm definitely curious."
Students are resuming the routine of classes and extracurricular activities. Despite the lack of closure, the community as a whole has begun the process of healing.
To some, recovery means simply moving on.
Sam Schmidt '03 said he drew upon his experience living in Oklahoma City after the 1995 bombing of the Federal Building there.
"I still can't believe [the Zantop murders] happened," he said, "but I've learned that one thing that helps people deal with tragedy is not to dwell on it."
Other students, however, expressed reservations at what they felt to be the indifference of their peers.
Jared Foley '04 said, "the general feeling around campus is that people are just less interested in the case than they were a week ago."
But the loss of two of its most beloved members is clearly going to affect the Dartmouth community for quite some time to come. Several students who knew the Zantops declined to comment to The Dartmouth because of the emotional strain involved.
There are also indications that life at the College is changing in subtle ways in the aftermath of the tragedy. While most students do not express considerable fear for their safety, many are taking extra precautions.
For example, Greene stated that she has carried pepper spray for the last week, even though she does not think she will have to use it. "It's something I never thought I'd have to do in Hanover," she said.
Nearly all students interviewed reported that friends and family had expressed concern for campus safety.
According to Atterbury, "most of my friends and family have heard about the case through the national news, and they want to know more information about it, which I haven't been able to provide them. Of course, my parents have told me to be more careful, you know, 'lock your door at night.'"
Foley expressed a lesson many students have learned over the past week. "It's nave of us to say, 'these things don't happen here.'"
