Willamette University student arrested in death investigation

SALEM, Ore. — A Willamette University student has been arrested in connection with the homicide investigation of a 66-year-old man.

The senior majoring in chemistry also is a wide receiver for the university’s football team.

The Statesman Journal reports Willamette officials have confirmed that Beau W. Smith, 22, is currently enrolled as a student at the university.

Police say Smith was arrested Wednesday a short distance from the place where Michael Hampshire’s body was found off campus.

Willamette University spokesman Adam Torgerson said Wednesday night the university is cooperating with the investigation and it has reached out to faculty and staff to offer resources, including counseling and chaplain services.

Torgerson says that other than Smith being a student, he is not aware of any other connection with the university.

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