University Of Texas Student Killed: Suspect In Custody, Police Say

AUSTIN, TX -- A 17-year-old homeless youth was arrested in connection with the death of a University of Texas-Austin student this week, the Austin Police Department chief said.

Haruka Weiser, an 18-year-old dance major from Portland, was found dead Tuesday along a creek that runs through the UT campus.

In a press conference, Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo identified the suspect as Meechaiel Criner. Acevedo said he would be formally charged with a felony count of murder later this afternoon.

Acevedo was flanked at the morning press conference at the UT campus by other law enforcement officials and university president Gregory L. Fenves.

Citing the ongoing nature of their investigation, police have declined to say how Weiser was killed and the exact location where her body was found.

Criner was captured Thursday afternoon at about 4 p.m. after firefighters gave police a major tip.

On Monday, the Austin Fire Department responded reports of a small trash fire at the 2900 block of Medical Arts Street. When surveillance video was released Thursday showing the possible suspect, firefighters recognized him as the suspect in the trash fire.

At the time, he was burning evidence of the crime -- some of Weiser's personal belongings, including her duffel bag -- in a trash can.

Acevedo said the suspect was living at LifeWorks, a homeless shelter. He has no connection to campus, nor is it known if he has a prior criminal record.

Weiser's death has rocked the Texas community, which held a vigil on campus Thursday evening in her honor. She has been remembered for her kindness and intelligence.

She had been missing since Sunday, April 3.

As he concluded his press conference, Acevedo got emotional in reading a message from the family. He said he had spoken to the victim's mother just about an-hour-and-a-half prior to the press briefing, and she thanked him, his officers and the entire UT community for working so hard to find the suspect.

"Go home and hug your children," Acevedo said the young victim's mother told him as his voice cracked with emotion. "Not once but twice."

In a statement released after the press conference, Haruka's parents elaborated. They said their message is directed to everyone affected by their daughter's death.

"We just ask that you hug your children, hug your parents TWICE, one from you and one from us," they wrote.

SEE ALSO:

• Murdered Student "Was a Dancer in Her Soul"
• Woman's Dead Body Found On UT-Austin Campus Along Creek
• University of Texas Student, Dance Major, Identified As Homicide Victim
• Hundreds Gather At University of Texas-Austin To Remember Slain Student

This is a developing story. Refresh this page for updates as they become available.

>>> Tony Cantu and Colin Miner contributed to this report

>>> Photo of Haruka Weiser via Facebook; Chief Acevedo announces arrest at press conference, photo by Tony Cantu