Texas

UT Student Was Apparently Sexually Assaulted, Strangled: Officials

Haruka Weiser, a popular theater and dance major from Oregon, appears to have been randomly targeted

An 18-year-old University of Texas student killed on campus last week was apparently sexually assaulted and strangled, according to officials.

Law enforcement officials told the Austin American-Statesman they were awaiting lab results before possibly filing more charges against 17-year-old Meechaiel Khalil Criner, a homeless teen accused of killing freshman Haruka Weiser.

Criner faces a charge of murder and remains in the Travis County Jail on $1 million bail. It's not clear if he's hired an attorney.

Police have said Haruka Weiser, a popular theater and dance major from Oregon, appears to have been randomly targeted and police "don't have a clue what the motive is."

Weiser's body was found near Waller Creek April 5 near the football stadium.

Austin police released surveillance video April 7 showing a person of interest in the case in the area several times on April 5. Tips from Austin firefighters and a female community member led police to Criner.

Meechaiel Khalil Criner Arrest Warrant Affidavit

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