Today the University received confirmation from the Washoe County Medical Examiner's Office that the body found earlier this week in Elko County has been positively identified as Judy Calder, associate professor for Human Development and Family Studies in the College of Health and Human Sciences.

Judy was a longtime faculty member at the University, and was a good friend to her colleagues and students. I am saddened beyond words to hear of this tragic news.

On behalf of the entire University, I wish to extend our deepest sympathies to Judy's family, friends and colleagues across campus.

Her death is reported as a homicide and an active investigation is underway. The initial autopsy result indicates that she was stabbed to death in an off-campus location on Aug. 18, 2007. Police tell us that her body was then driven to Elko County. Police say that Judy met the suspect in this investigation at the off-campus location, and have no reason to believe that she was abducted from the University.

Police are asking for help in finding the suspect who is responsible for her disappearance. He is known as Ricky Barge, although they believe this is an alias. Attempts are currently underway to determine his true identity. He is described as a male of Middle Eastern descent, 5-foot-9, 215 pounds, black hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to call the Sparks Police Detective Division at 353-2225, Sparks Police Dispatch at 353-2231, the University of Nevada Police Department at 784-4013, or Secret Witness at 322-4900.

Charlie Bullock, dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences, has arranged for grief counseling for any faculty, staff or students for the long weekend. Individuals interested in this service are asked to call Crisis Call Center's 24-Hour Crisis Hotline at 784-8090 or 1-(800) 992-5757. You will then be directed to on-call counselors from the University's Counseling Services.

A campus memorial service for Judy will be held soon, and we will release the details as they become available.