CSU president admits ‘delay’ in notifying students about murder-suicide. What we know

Days after a homicide-suicide on the campus of Columbus State University questions remain about what led up to the death of two students last Friday.

And the CSU president offered an apology and a statement of condolence, as well as held a meeting on the incident.

The shootings shocked the campus in the heart of Columbus, but little information has been released about what led up to the killings.

In an email from the President of CSU Stuart Rayfield on the day after the incident, she admitted a delay in notifying the CSU community.

“As a university, we are evaluating our response to the tragic events. There was a delay in getting notification to our community and we apologize for that. We are reviewing our processes to ensure timely notifications in the future.”

Gisele Pierce, 20, was found dead in a car in a campus parking lot, while the body of Nathaniel Janik, 25, was found on the ground next to the car around 10:40 a.m., according to Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan.

Rayfield also made a statement via YouTube expressing her condolences and saying:

“Today the Columbus State community experienced a horrible tragedy with the death of two of our students. I want to extend my most sincere condolences to the family, friends, faculty, staff and other individuals. This will be difficult time for our campus and our greater community. I want everyone to know that we have resources to support you during this time.

“We will have counselors in our residence halls, in our counseling center, and we’ll be checking in on those who were closest to the students,” she continued. “Our employees may utilize these services or their Employee Assistance Program benefits. I want to thank those in our community who’ve reached out with offers of assistance. Our campus has never felt more supported. Thank you for taking care of us. We are better together during times like this.”

Meanwhile, CSU held a moment of silence Sunday at the CSU women’s soccer team’s scrimmage against the University of West Georgia in regards to the incident.

CSU also held a meeting Monday afternoon for students, faculty, and staff to “ share updates on and receive feedback concerning campus public safety and student support resources (including counseling services),” according to an email from Rayfield.

One such resource available to CSU students is the Create Care CSU program where students can report incidents, misconduct, threatening behaviors, or general behavioral concerns, according to CSU’s website. Students can also use the service to request support for health and well-being needs for themselves and others.

The Ledger-Enquirer has reached out to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, which is helping investigate the case. The GBI responded to the Ledger-Enquirer’s questions by stating, “We don’t have anything to add/release right now.”

The Ledger-Enquirer has reached out to family members of both individuals and has not received comment from either as of press time.

CSU released a statement the day of the incident saying it learned of a “gun-related incident” about 10:10 a.m. on Main Campus near the area of Lenoir Annex.

“Columbus State University Police are now investigating the matter in partnership with the Columbus Police Department and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation,” the statement said.

The university didn’t provide additional information on Pierce or Janik.

Despite the gravity of the incident, students interviewed that day expressed shock, but still said they felt safe on campus.

CSU student Joshua Glass said he felt safe, though the shooting happened near where he lives. “Overall, I feel safe even though it happened so close to my living quarters, but at the same time, you know, incidents will happen once in a while,” Glass said.

This story was originally published August 24, 2023 at 5:00 AM.