Student goes missing
Published Sept. 1, 2006
The MU Police Department issued a news release Aug. 31 asking for assistance in locating former MU student Robert Lee Slaughter. Slaughter was reported missing Aug. 11 by the Department of Residential Life.
MU police Capt. Brian Weimer said the delay in releasing a news release was to make sure Slaughter was "truly missing."
"There is nothing to indicate foul play," Weimer said.
In the two weeks between the report of Slaughter's disappearance and the news release, police contacted his friends and family, Weimer said.
Slaughter, a 33-year-old sophomore, took classes at MU during the summer, but he formally withdrew from the university July 12.
Slaughter was enrolled in summer classes and lived in a residence hall, according to Residential Life Director Frankie Minor. Minor said after classes begin each semester, Residential Life goes through a list of students who reside in university-operated residence halls.
"To live in the residence halls, a student must be enrolled in at least one class," Minor said.
Slaughter's continued residence in the halls was investigated as soon as the department was notified. When Slaughter's room was investigated, some personal belongings were found.
According to the news release, last known contact with Slaughter was through a telephone conversation with his brother, on or around Aug. 8.
Weimer said MUPD hopes media coverage might spur Slaughter to call and give someone his whereabouts.