On Oct. 29, the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office, working alongside the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), discovered the remains of missing 25-year-old Cornelia woman Minelys Zoe Rodriguez-Ramirez.
Rodrigues-Ramirez was reported missing when she did not return home from Walmart on Oct. 23, six days before her body was discovered. The GBI was requested for additional involvement two days after she was reported missing.
On Oct. 28, Angel DeJesus Rivera-Sanches was arrested in Atlanta with kidnapping charges related to the disappearance of Rodriguez-Ramirez. He will also be charged with murder in connection to her death.
The investigation is still active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to alert the GBI at (800) 597-8477 or to submit online tips at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online.
Although this tragedy occurred in Habersham County, it is not a threat to the Piedmont community. It is an unfortunate reminder that terrible things can happen in what may seem the safest of areas.
Piedmont University Campus Police Chief Jim Andrews posted a few tips on the Piedmont App on Wednesday Oct. 29 to remind students to be cautious and safe, especially as it begins to get darker earlier:
“Never meet up with someone you have met on social media.”
Social media is very common among college students, and whether a student is using services such as Facebook Marketplace to sell items or connecting with locals on dating apps such as Tinder or Hinge, meeting with strangers is a common practice for young people.
“Walk campus with a friend, not by yourself,” Chief Andrews advised. “If you feel unsafe walking somewhere on campus after dark, call Campus Police for a ride.”
Campus Police’s priority is protecting the students and staff of Piedmont University. Students can call at (706) 939-1349 or visit the Campus Police office at Getman-Babcock Residence Hall on weekdays before 5 p.m.
“Report suspicious activity and persons ASAP to Campus Police,” said Chief Andrews. “Never think that bad things cannot happen to you, they can!”
