The Southern University System mourns the loss of SU Baton Rouge (SUBR) students Lashuntae Benton and Annette January, who were killed early Sunday, April 10, 2016, in an incident off campus. An investigation by the Baton Rouge City Police Department is ongoing.
“As the Southern University family moves forward mourning the loss of Ms. Benton and Ms. January, whose promising lives were cut short, we are focused on providing support and comfort to the families and to our students. Words alone cannot fully describe the extent to which we are saddened,” said Southern University System President Ray L. Belton.
To assist students in coping with the loss, staff from the SUBR Counseling Center is available to SU students throughout the day for crisis walk-in appointments. Also, the Counseling Center is extending hours to 6:30 p.m.
A private counseling session with student-athletes was held at 3 p.m. today in A.W. Mumford Field House.
“The Southern University family has been devastated by the recent deaths of Lashuntae Benton and Annette January. Each of these young ladies embodied the values and spirit of Southern University. We ask that the Jaguar Nation and the Baton Rouge community join us in lifting the Benton and January families in our prayers during this difficult time,” said Roman Banks, interim SUBR athletic director.
In memory of Benton, who was a native of Lake Charles and a therapeutic recreation and leisure studies major, and of January, a management major from Gary, Indiana, the SUBR Student Government Association is holding a candlelight vigil, Tuesday, April 12, 2016, at 6 p.m. in the courtyard of the Smith-Brown Memorial Student Union.
University officials have been in contact with the victims’ families and are providing support and assistance. Funeral arrangements are pending.
The Southern University System Foundation (SUSF) has established a memorial fund to support the families of Benton and January. Contributions to the SUSF Benton – January Fund can be made here.
Courtesy: SU Athleteics
