Body of Student Found in College Dorm Room

Whittier police were investigating the death of a 20- year-old female student whose body was found today in her dorm room at Whittier College.

The body was discovered about 4:30 p.m. when police responded to a report of an unresponsive student found in a dorm room, Whittier Police Department Officer John Scoggins said. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her name was withheld pending notification of next of kin. Her death does not appear to be caused by foul play, Scoggins said.

"We are not searching for any suspects at this time and there is no known threat to the community," Scoggins said.

The body showed signs of decomposition but it was unknown how long the woman had been dead, according to the coroner's office and Whittier police. The cause of death will be determined by an autopsy and the coroner's office will also conduct toxicology tests to determine if drugs or alcohol played a role in the woman's death, Scoggins said.

Scoggins also told City News Service the deceased student was from outside California, but he didn't know which state she came from. He also said he didn't know if she had roommates at the school. Whittier College posted a message on its Facebook page about the student's death.

"It is our deep regret to inform you that there has been a student death in Johnson Hall," the message said. "There is no known threat to the campus community. We ask that non-residents of Johnson stay clear of the area while the Whittier Police Department conducts its investigation."

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A second message was posted, announcing the cancellation of tonight's classes.

"We believe it is best for our community and especially our students to have classes meet tomorrow (Friday)," the message said. "We feel that having the community be present, to be together in support of each other is important. Therefore, classes will meet on Friday. However, faculty members have been asked not to penalize students who miss class or do not participate."

Scoggins asked that anyone who has information regarding the dead student contact Whittier police at (562) 567-9270.

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