Police were able to further their investigation into the death of University graduate and Charlottesville resident Jayne Warren McGowan this weekend after a sharp-eyed citizen identified McGowan's car in a wooded area off Fairway Avenue. Police have been investigating the 26-year-old's death since they discovered her body in her residence Friday afternoon.
McGowan had been working for the AIDS/HIV Services Group in the city, and her uncharacteristic absence at work Friday prompted concern among her co-workers, according to Charlottesville Police Chief Timothy Longo. McGowan was found "dead on her couch with an apparent gunshot to the head," Longon said, shortly before 3 p.m. at 807 Saint Clair Ave. During the investigation, police discovered that McGowan's car had been taken from the scene.
Longo said McGowan's car, a gold Nissan Sentra with Virginia license AED-2522, was discovered in a wooded area near the 200 block of Fairway Avenue Sunday afternoon after police responded to a report on the crime tip hotline. The car had been very difficult to see from the street, Longo said, because the trees and foliage had helped camouflage the vehicle.
Longo said the car has been removed from the woods and is being examined by forensic investigators for any evidence regarding McGowan's death.
Longo said there were no visible signs of a forced-entry into the home -- the front door was unlocked -- but was unwilling to comment on whether this information was indicative of anything regarding the case. Longo did say there were "no obvious signs" as to why the crime was committed, noting that McGowan "lived a life of contribution" in the Charlottesville community.
McGowan, a 2003 graduate of the College, was originally from Manlius, New York, but had just moved to the Charlottesville area following a brief stint in Washington, D.C. McGowan was working with the Charlottesville AIDS/HIV Services Group to plan a fundraiser that was held Saturday evening.
In what Longo described as the "aftermath of a very tragic event," McGowan's family and friends are just beginning to deal with her absence.
Kathy Baker, executive director of the AIDS/HIV Services Group, described McGowan as a delightful young woman whose service tremendously benefited the community.
"I think it's fair to say that Jayne was one of the brightest, [most] energetic and passionate folks around," Baker said.
Signe McGowan, Jayne's mother, said her daughter was a true joy to be around, a lover of life who was always able to make new friends and was constantly energized by the relationships she made.
"She'll always be my baby," Signe McGowan said.
Information about possible suspects in the case is not available at this time, according to Longo. He emphasized that the department cannot yet even confirm the plurality of any such individuals and added that even if police did know something, it would be "irresponsible" to talk about that part of the investigation.
Longo said anyone with information concerning the incident is strongly urged to come forward and discuss it with a law enforcement official.
"The resources of this entire police department will come to bear" on the ongoing investigation, Longo said.
Read More
What to expect as the University searches for its 10th president
By Nicolas Biernacki | 2 hours agoThe special committee to nominate the 10th president was announced Friday.
U.Va. announces search committee for permanent president
By Ford McCracken | YesterdayThe committee includes most sitting members of the Board of Visitors, other faculty representatives and alumni and just one current undergraduate student, who is also a sitting member of the Board.
A look at Ryan’s presidential employment contract
By Bertie Azqueta | 2 days agoThis contract, originally established in 2018 when Ryan was hired, was renewed in 2022 and outlines the terms of his employment, including salary and benefits.
