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May 22, 2008 12:14 am US/Eastern
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Police Seek Black Van In NU Student's Slaying
MISSION HILL (WBZ) ―
Police are looking for a black van in connection with the deadly shooting of a Northeastern University student.
The body of Rebacca Payne, 22, of New Milford, Conn., was found early Tuesday in her Mission Hill apartment. She was a senior in the Bouve College of Health Sciences.
Officers were called to the apartment on Parker Hill Avenue after a neighbor saw her door open just before 7 a.m. Tuesday.
Some neighbors heard gunshots hours before Payne was found but no one called 911, police said.
She was found on the floor and had been shot several times, police said.
Police said a black van was seen fleeing the area between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m., which was around the time neighbors said they heard gunshots.
Police have not recovered a murder weapon. They don't know whether the shooting was random or whether Payne knew the gunman.
In a statement Wednesday, Payne's parents said they have taken comfort in the condolences and outpouring of support from the Northeastern community.
"We would like to remember Rebecca as someone always smiling, never worrying about things not worth worrying about," Nicholas and Virginia Payne said.
In a letter to students, Northeastern President Joseph E. Aoun described Payne as "dedicated to her studies ... and passionate about causes dear to her heart."
"A tragedy like this, suddenly and without explanation, that takes the light of our of our brughtest young lights brings us unfathomable grief," Aoun wrote.
"This is a horrible situation, obviously. Any homicide is," said Boston City Councilor Michael Ross, who lives five houses down from the woman's apartment complex. "But in terms of the circumstances, I'm not aware of any details beyond what you've been told by the Police Department."
Police have increased patrols in the neighborhood, including additional walking beats. They have also encouraged local colleges and universities to urge students to be vigilant and to take appropriate safety precautions.
Anyone with information about the shooting, specifically anyone who saw the black van, is asked to contact the Homicide Unit at 617-343-4470. Anonymous tips can be placed at 1-800-494-TIPS or text TIP to CRIME (27463).
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