Sept. 15, 2005

Search for missing VCU Student now a criminal investigation; RPD takes lead in investigation

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Richmond Police Chief Rodney D. Monroe announced today that the Richmond Police Department will assume control of the investigation into the disappearance of 17-year-old Taylor Marie Behl of Vienna, Va.

In addition, a task force has been convened to aid in the search for Behl. In addition to the Richmond Police Department, the task force includes Virginia Commonwealth University Police, the Virginia State Police, FBI, and the Attorney General’s Office.

“VCU Police has done a tremendous job in its investigation,” said Chief Monroe. “Because we are now classifying the investigation as a criminal one it was decided that the Richmond Police Department has the additional resources needed for such an investigation.”

“There is no evidence of foul play, but because of the lack of information and the fact that she has been missing for more than a week, we convened the task force,” Chief Monroe added. “The additional resources mean we will be able to conduct extensive interviews and review phone records among other things. We also will use crime analysis data to assist with our efforts.”

Police said the dozens of leads generated in the past week since Behl was reported missing have failed to provide credible information on her whereabouts or the location of her car.

The decision to turn the search for Behl into a criminal investigation came at this time because of three converging factors – the search involves a juvenile, the length of time that now has passed without a solid lead, and the increase in leads due to extensive media coverage.

The freshman was last seen by her roommate in her dormitory room the evening of Sept. 5.

“We have done and are doing everything we can to find Taylor and are glad to have the additional resources,” said VCU Police Chief Willie B. Fuller. “We want to bring Taylor back and bring her back safely.”

Police ask anyone with information about Behl or her white 1997 Ford Escort, VA tag JPC-2848, to contact the Richmond Police tipline at 804-514-8477 or VCU Police at 804-828-1196.