3 Killed, UGA Professor George Zinkhan sought in Shooting

A half-dozen Oconee County sheriff’s deputies converged on a property in a rural area here Tuesday afternoon as authorities continued their search for murder suspect and former UGA professor George M. Zinkhan.

A day after three adults were killed and two others injured in a shooting police say was delivered by University of Georgia marketing professor George M. Zinkhan III, friends remember the three victims described as the heart and soul of the Town & Gown Players community theatre in Athens. As of Sunday morning, police continue to search for Zinkhan.

As of 9 a.m. Sunday morning, Officials said they have not received any tips locating Zinkhan, nor have they had any hits on his cell phone, ATM use, credit card or passport.

Athens — Hours later, the prime suspect in a triple murder in Athens is still on the loose.

To the Members of the University of Georgia Community:
We have had a tragedy this weekend that has impacted Athens and the entire University of Georgia community. We are saddened by the shooting that took place Saturday, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of all those who have been affected. As we grieve, we are determined to move forward.
Over the past 24 hours, I have had several meetings with the senior administrative team and received briefings from campus and local law enforcement regarding measures of campus safety and security. UGA and Athens-Clarke County police have done an extraordinary job of providing a strong law enforcement presence as we enter the final week of classes, and I have great confidence in their abilities.
UGA will operate under a normal schedule this week with classes and other business. However, I urge everyone to continue to exercise caution until the suspect is apprehended.
In wake of this tragedy, the University Health Center, through the Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) unit, will provide grief counseling and support for UGA faculty, staff and students affected by these recent events. Should anyone need or desire such services, please contact CAPS at 706-542-1162. Between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. persons wishing to reach CAPS should call University Police dispatch at 706-542-2200 and ask for the CAPS on-call staff member.
As a reminder, police are still looking for George M. Zinkhan III, 57 years of age, 6-feet three-inches tall, 240 pounds, blue eyes, white male with a goatee, with light brown hair and some graying. He was last seen wearing a polo shirt and blue shorts with a backpack, and driving a 2005 reddish Jeep Liberty with Georgia tag AIX 1376. If you know his location or see him call 911. Please do not call 911 seeking information. Please do not call UGA Police asking questions. Only call to provide information that you may have regarding this matter. Police continue to urge members of the University community to use your best judgment in taking precautions while this suspect remains at large.
We will continue to share information with you regarding this matter as it becomes available.

Michael F. Adams,
President

Authorities had issued a nationwide alert for Zinkhan and his 2005 red Jeep Liberty with Georgia license plate AIX 1376.

Beth Kozinsky, membership director, said the theater company was hosting a homecoming lunch Saturday for current and former members. She and others saw Zinkhan enter the building from a parking lot and shoot the first victim at close range. “We watched it happen,” Kozinsky said. “We were all in shock.” As shots were fired, those in the building scattered, she said. Saturday afternoon, a still shaken Kozinsky struggled to remember exact details. “It’s kind of a blur,” she said. Kozinsky said the victims killed include Marie Bruce, Ben Teague and Tom Tanner. Bruce and Tanner are current officers with the theater company, and Teague had been involved for several years, she said. Tanner was currently starring in a production at the theater.

Zinkhan is described as a white man in his mid 50s with a goatee or beard. He may be wearing a polo shirt, blue shorts, and a backpack. Use extreme caution if contact is made, Zinkhan may be armed and dangerous. Call 911 if you know his location. The Athens Community Theater is located behind the Taylor-Grady House on Prince Avenue. The “Town and Gown Players” were in production of “Sherlock Holmes” at the theater. Tonight’s scheduled performance has been cancelled according to the group’s Web Site.

A UGA student called FOX 5 and said an text alert has gone out to 25,000 students and faculty through campus communications to beware of a professor George M. Zinkhan driving a red vehicle.

All Remaining Performances of
Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure
Have Been Canceled.

The Town & Gown family is in shock and mourning over the events at our playhouse on April 25th, 2009. Thank you for your condolences. We’ll have further announcements, including those regarding future shows, at a later time.