Lauren Spierer: Indiana cops warn against 'speculation'

Indiana investigators said Wednesday that it's far too early to say whether the disappearance nearly four years ago of Edgemont, N.Y. resident Lauren Spierer is linked to the murder last week of another student from Indiana University.

But police agencies are sharing information about Spierer's disappearance and the murder of Hannah Wilson, 22, who also attended the Bloomington school.

"It is very reasonable to expect law enforcement would compare a recent homicide investigation with a previous open case, especially with the similarities related to both cases involving college coeds from the same university," said Sgt. Curt J. Durnil, Indiana state police spokesman, in response to a query from The Journal News.

But, he said, "it is premature, as well as speculative to draw any direct link between the murder investigation of Hannah Wilson and the case of Lauren Spierer, who has not been located since being reported missing."

A suspect is in custody in Wilson's murder.

The similarities between the two cases is focusing new attention on Spierer, 20, who disappeared June 3, 2011, after a night of drinking in Bloomington.​

Hannah Wilson also disappeared after a night of drinking. Her body was found hours later in a rural area not far from the university, with her skull crushed from blows to the head. A cellphone found near her body led police to Daniel E. Messel, 49, who has been charged with her murder.

Police do not know where or how she encountered Wilson.

Durnil said Indiana state police are sharing information with the Bloomington police department, which is leading the Spierer investigation, and "Once a connection or lack of connection is determined, that will be shared with the public," he said.

Rob and Charlene Spierer, who have undertaken a tireless search for clues about their daughter's disappearance, have not commented on the Wilson case.

Staff writer Matthew Spillane contributed information to this report.

Twitter: @JaneLernerNY