Search of lake called off for ASU student
Dec 6, 2012, 3:31 PM | Updated: 4:53 pm
The search of Tempe Town Lake in hopes of finding a missing Arizona State University student was called off on Thursday, police said.
The area around the lake was being searched because a shoe, possibly belonging to missing 19-year-old Jack Culolias, was found by his mother.
Police searched both sides of the lake and riverside from the McClintock Rd. bridge to Dobson Rd., but did not turn up anything.
DNA found on the shoe is still being tested and police are still interviewing people.
Earlier this week, Culolias’ mother, Grace Culolias of Brea, Calif., criticized law enforcement, saying that it took far too long for authorities to begin the search for her son.
“Too much time had gone by,” she said. “There was a lack of support of real people out searching for him. The shoe could have been found as early as Saturday.”
ASU officials said they began to search for the boy after he was reported missing on Dec. 2. They turned the case over to the Tempe Police Department on Dec. 4.
It is believed that Jack Culolias was drinking prior to his time at Cadillac Ranch and evidence shows he may have been served at least one drink at the bar.
“He had his credit card there and it had and $8 tab on it,” said Grace Culolias. “I’m sure it was for only one cocktail.”
Information released by police suggests the student was intoxicated and was kicked out of the establishment. From that point, no one has seen or heard from him.
“There’s no evidence of foul play, he’s just gone,” said Grace Culolias. “I really, really don’t know. It’s so hard.”
ASU said any allegations of misconduct by the fraternity would be investigated by its Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities. Tempe Police said it will look into any allegations as well.
Tempe Police said it has contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigation, but it has not been determined if the federal agency will work the case.
