KU News Release

KU officials issue statements on death of law student Jana Mackey

LAWRENCE – University of Kansas Chancellor Robert Hemenway and Dean of the School of Law Gail Agrawal issued the following statements regarding the death of KU law student Jana Mackey.

Hemenway: “On behalf of the entire university community, I want to express shock and sadness at the death of Jana Mackey. We offer our deepest condolences to her friends and family at this tragic time. KU will cooperate fully with the Lawrence Police in their investigation of Jana’s death.”

Agrawal: "The law school community mourns the loss of our student and classmate Jana Mackey. Jana was well loved by all of us. She was a smart, engaging woman whose warm personality and quick smile endeared her to all who knew her. As a second-year law student, she was already a committed, skilled advocate, focusing her considerable talents on women’s issues, including the rights of rape victims and domestic abuse survivors. Hers was a life of great promise. She will be greatly missed. Our condolences go out to her family in this time of shared deep sorrow."

Mackey was found dead inside an off-campus home on Thursday, July 3. Lawrence police are seeking Adolfo Garcia-Nunez, 46, of Lawrence as a person of interest. He was last seen driving a white Ford F-150 pickup truck. Anyone with information about Garcia-Nunez is asked to call Lawrence police, 843-7509, or leave an anonymous tip on the Crimestoppers Hotline, 843-TIPS.

Mackey, a 25-year-old second-year law student from Hays, received her KU undergraduate degree in Women’s Studies in 2005. She was active in women’s rights issues and had worked on political campaigns.

She also was a talented singer and actress, receiving honors as an undergraduate for her theater performances. She was awarded several scholarships for her law school work.

Counselors from KU’s Counseling and Psychological Services department are being made available to those who knew Mackey.

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The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. University Relations is the central public relations office for KU's Lawrence campus.