In response to student safety concerns over a Philadelphia murderer who strangled two women this month, Vice President for Public Safety Maureen Rush advised students not to worry.
Rush explained that the Kensington area of North Philadelphia, in which the bodies of the two victims were found, is not “that near” Penn’s campus.
According to Rush, Kensington is historically known for increased drug activity and prostitution.
“At this time these crimes appear to be directed at a specific victim profile of women who frequent this specific geographic area,” Division of Public Safety spokeswoman Stef Cella wrote in an e-mail.
The body of Elaine Goldberg, a 21-year-old nursing student at Gwynedd-Mercy College, was found in a lot on the 2800 block of Ruth Street, and the body of 35 year-old Nicole Piacentini was discovered behind a building on the 1900 block of East Cumberland Street.
In light of the murders, two additional women claimed to have been sexually assaulted and choked to unconsciousness by the suspect, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.
The suspect is described by one of the surviving victims as a slender, light-skinned African-American or Latino man in his late 20s. The suspect’s height is between 5 feet 6 inches and 5 feet 10 inches and is thought to have a mark on his cheek and a goatee.
Despite explaining that Penn’s campus is not particularly at risk, Rush said, “One never really knows where incidents like these will crop up.”
Students should still “follow their instincts” and use DPS’s resources to ensure protection, Rush said.
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.