Current Release: September 11th, 2007 | Vol. XXIV Iss. 10

Photo by Eric Zitz

Still No Answers

By Ben Giles

brgiles1@vwc.edu

It has been over one year since the first homicide in Virginia Wesleyan history occurred late at night on campus. There are still no answers.

On Oct. 11, 2006, Officer Walter “Wally” Zakrzewski was murdered by a knife wielding assailant while making his rounds. Beyond that, no information has been released that might indicate police are any closer to the capture of the killer, and Wally’s death remains a mystery to the campus and the surrounding community.

That leaves little solace for those Wally left behind, including his wife, Mary Ann. “Knowing that person is still out there, that’s the worst part,” she said. “Knowing that that person can live with themselves, knowing what they did.”

No one has responded to the $25,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest of whoever committed this crime, according to David Buckingham, dean of students. The reward is not limited to the campus community, extending to anyone who has information.

“We thought for sure someone would have come forward by now,” Mary Ann said.

Buckingham expressed his hope that some progress could still be made in the Virginia Beach Police Department’s handling of the case.

“The fact that it’s still an open investigation suggests that the police still feel there is a possibility there,” said Buckingham.

In handling the investigation, the VBPD would not release any information on the case, stating only that it is an ongoing investigation.

However, there is currently no investigator assigned to the case. Detective Paul Yoakam, formerly the lead investigator, has since retired.

According to VBPD Public Information Officer Rene Ball, Wally’s case “will be assigned to another case investigator.”

Whether or not the case will ever be solved, Wally’s death has brought about change to the school’s security routines in the past year. Other occurrences as well, such as the Virginia Tech shootings this past spring, have brought campus security into the national spotlight.

The college has responded by hiring more security officers, increasing the pay of security personnel, and forming various task forces to examine new ways to make the Wesleyan campus safer.

The most significant of these refinements has been the VBPD off-duty police officer who patrols campus with a campus security officer and a member of the Residence Life staff.

There are some who still think more should be done, including Mary Ann. According to her, Wally was hired with no experience in security and was given no training other than instruction in writing reports.

“He had no weapons, nothing to defend himself but his hands,” Mary Ann said. “He had a pair of handcuffs, and nobody ever showed him how to use those. My daughter, who’s the sheriff’s deputy, had to show him how to use handcuffs.”

According to Buckingham, the school’s upgrades in security are sufficient. Repeatedly the school has referred to other private colleges in Virginia that do not have armed security officers. “The refinements we have made have been generally well received,” said Buckingham. “What we’re doing is what others are doing.”

Mary Ann voiced her displeasure in the continued lack of training for security guards. She is concerned about security remaining unarmed with the exception of the police officer.

“It’s nice that the security guards are here,” said Mary Ann, “but if they can’t defend themselves, how are they going to defend something that’s happened to me?”

For Mary Ann, her concerns now focus on the struggle to cope with the loss of her husband.

“My firm belief in God helps me get through the day,” she said. “It helps me get through every morning, and every night.”

In honor of Wally, the school held a remembrance ceremony on Oct. 10. During the ceremony, Mary Ann was presented with a wreath and a replica of a plaque that will be placed in the Catherine Cookson Peace Garden. Staff, students and faculty were all in attendance. The event marked the first time students could meet Wally’s widow.

“We don’t see her, we don’t hear anything about her,” said Junior Ashley Ladyman, who was in attendance for the ceremony.

Although a symbolic gesture, the event was the first time in months the college had contacted Mary Ann.

“I thought they would take a little bit more caring attitude, she said. “The first week was fine.

President Greer was always on the phone. But as the days go on, no.”

Mary Ann also struggled to gain financial help through the college’s insurance policy.

“They said because, according to the school, Wally got ‘injured,’ I was only entitled to workman’s comp,” said Mary Ann. “That’s the only stance they’ve taken.”

Mary Ann had to hire lawyers to assess the situation and help her gain health insurance through the college.

Buckingham declined to comment on the ways the college has assisted Mary Ann, citing it as a private matter.

“I do think there have been several individuals who have reached out to her and continue to do so,” said Buckingham.

Former Director of Campus Security Leo Therrien has been of aid to Mary Ann, though he is no longer affiliated with the school. Therrien nominated Wally for the 2007 Award for Valor from the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators. Wally was also honored by Virginia Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators.

For Mary Ann, the main concern has been and always will be the case of her late husband’s murder. More than anything, she only wants answers: