Purdue University Police and the Tippecanoe County Coroner's Office are investigating after a person was found dead inside a building on the 500 block of Northwestern Avenue in West Lafayette on Thursday evening. Authorities say the person was discovered at about 6:20 p.m., and the scene remained under investigation late into the night as officials worked inside and around the building.
According to WLFI, staff from the Tippecanoe County Coroner's Office said they were working to identify the person and notify next of kin. The coroner's office told the station that a forensic autopsy is scheduled for Friday at the coroner's office.
What Investigators Are Doing
The Purdue University Police Department posts public contact information and a "West Lafayette Daily Crime Log" online, and university police are listed as the investigating agency in this case. The department's contact page lists a non-emergency tip line at (765) 494-8221 and an email for non-emergency information. In an emergency, authorities say to call or text 911, with full details available on the Purdue University Police Department site.
Campus Context
Local officials and campus police have handled similar on and near campus death investigations in recent years. For example, the Journal & Courier reported a body found in Horticulture Park last December that also led to a coroner's autopsy. Those cases typically involve close coordination between university police and the Tippecanoe County Coroner as the cause and manner of death are determined.
Investigators have not released the person's identity pending family notification and the autopsy. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Purdue University Police Department's non-emergency line at (765) 494-8221 or email [email protected], and to call 911 for emergencies.
