Information on 19-year-old Brianna Denison’s murder can not come any faster. After her initial disappearance on Jan. 20 at 4 a.m. near the University of Nevada, Reno, police have been frantic in finding her body, the murder suspect and now the owners of underwear found in the same field as Denison’s body. Reno police suspect it was an acquaintance, sensationalists counter it was a stranger lurking in the dark. In any case, it seems everyone is desperate for more information.
Reno Police Department built a webpage dedicated solely to Denison’s case, showing they are desperate to find this killer: Suspect Information, Evidence Found, America’s Most Wanted Video.
The Reno Gazette Journal posted a timeline of stories and photos of Denison.
The Denison Family created a “Bring Bri Justice” blog.
Friends built a “Find Bri” Facebook page, including composite sketches of the suspect.
If you have information, call the Secret Witness Program at 775-322-4900, the Reno Police Department’s 24-hour tip line at 775-745-3521, or email BriannaInfo@cityofreno.com.
Note: Whenever crimes like these make national headlines, the same advice is bandied about (from “Bring Bri Justice”):
Trust your instincts, Be aware of your surroundings. Take the iPod earphones out of your ears. Don’t talk on your cell phone while you are walking, especially at night. Know where you are going and what’s going on around you.
Think about what you are wearing. Don’t wear “hoodies” or sweatshirts with hoods that can be pulled over your eyes and face in an attack. Cover up (or just don’t wear) provocative outfits. Don’t wear shoes that could slow you down.
Use confident body language. Keep your head up, swing your arms, and walk briskly with purpose.
Lock your doors. Have your keys ready in your hands as you walk to your car. Once you get into your car, lock the doors and drive away. When you get home, make sure your doors are locked once you are inside.
Have a plan. Know in the back of your mind what you would do if attacked. If he wants your purse, don’t hand it to him, throw it to the side and run.
Don’t be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Walk in groups. Avoid walking alone in parking garages, dimly lit streets or alleys. Don’t drive in unfamiliar or bad neighborhoods alone.
Use your voice. Make noise. Scream for help and run away screaming when possible.
Don’t be afraid to come forward if you are the victim of an attack. You might help save another woman’s life!
It’s true it’s a crazy world out there, but the problems don’t start and end with victims. In the above, all the burden is placed on women, as if one has to live a hyper-paranoid existence, constantly vigilant about how, when and where they will be sexually assaulted.
The blame and responsibility lies with the attacker and only the attacker.
I was watching DATELINE NBC last night (3/21/08) and at about 1:29 into the show, the female newscaster was talking about the fact that a local casino had donated the use of their facilities and right after she said, “100 people came in to volunteer…” a man in a black ball cap, wearing a neon reflective jacket (like a public utilities jacket) entered the screen. His face on long and narrow like the sketch. He appeared to be about 5′6″ and it looked like he had a gotie or facial hair on his chin. As soon as he noticed the camera, he quickly shifted his head down and away from the camera. I know that many times a serial criminal will revisit the crime scene, or even join in on the search parties. I’m assuming the FBI has scoured the tapes for those things, like Brianna’s memorial, the people hanging around the crime scenes, the casino volunteers, etc., but if not, I hope they take a look at this guy.