Many tips come in to investigators
Copyright © 2003 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.
OAKLAND — Investigators reported no major developments in their probe of the murder of Colby College senior Dawn M. Rossignol Friday, but continued to work around the clock hunting for her killer.
Searches resumed in the wooded area north of Rice Rips Road where the body of the 21-year-old Medway woman was discovered Wednesday, and detectives continued to investigate their theory that she was abducted from the campus Tuesday morning.
"The investigation really involves people calling in tips, and a lot of them," said Lt. Timothy Doyle of the Maine State Police. "In a case like this it's not uncommon to generate hundreds of tips, and that's what's happening now."
Although police say they have not identified a suspect, they are interviewing a number of what Doyle called "persons of interest" in the case.
"We're developing leads, either based on tips or the investigation, and then we're following those leads," Doyle said. "Right now the book is not closed on anybody."
Waterville police have received at least one call from a resident reporting a man whose behavior was considered suspicious toward young women at Colby.
Detectives could be seen Friday talking to residents of the area around the college, workers at area businesses and students on the campus. They have reportedly conducted hundreds of interviews, and say the pace of the investigation will remain high over the weekend.
Rossignol's mother reported her missing at midday Tuesday after she failed to show up for a 9 a.m. doctor's appointment in Bangor.
State and local police began searching for the young woman that afternoon, and continued Wednesday morning.
A Waterville police sergeant discovered Rossignol's 1993 maroon Mercury Sable on a dirt access road next to Messalonskee Stream on the north side of Rice Rips Road. Her body was found about 300 yards from the car in a small stream.
The hunt intensified Thursday, as about 100 searchers fanned out into the woods and marshy areas surrounding the crime scene. One searcher reported pieces of important evidence were recovered, but police have released no details.
Investigators refuse to discuss how Rossignol died, in what condition her body was found, or whether the murder appears premeditated or a random act of violence.
Police ruled Rossignol's death a homicide after an autopsy was conducted Thursday.
They believe the murder occurred between the time she left her room in the Anthony Mitchell Schupf dormitory about 7:20 a.m. and the time her car was apparently spotted by at least one person on the access road about 9 a.m.
"The information we have through the investigation still is that she was abducted shortly after leaving her college dorm room, and every indication is that whatever happened, happened between there and the short distance (away) that her vehicle was found, and her body later discovered," Doyle said.
The car was taken to the state police crime lab in Augusta, where forensic specialists continue to analyze it for evidence, Doyle said.
"We won't have anything to say publicly unless there's a major development," Doyle said.
Jonathan Humphrey — 861-9252
jhumphrey@centralmaine.com