ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, June 24, 1996 TAG: 9606240081
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-3 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: PHILADELPHIA
SOURCE: Associated Press
Star college athlete Aimee Willard, whose nude body was found near railroad tracks in North Philadelphia on Thursday, was killed by at least three strong blows to the head, an autopsy revealed.
There are no outward signs that Willard, 22, of Brookhaven, had been sexually assaulted, officials at the city medical examiner's office said Friday.
State police, who launched an investigation after Willard's blood-stained car was found idling on Interstate 476, said they have several leads and are optimistic that arrests will be made.
``We have a lot of physical evidence - not only the blood that was at the scene, [but] the body that we've now recovered, her vehicle,'' said police investigator Tom LaCrosse. ``I think we have a substantial amount of evidence, and I think you are going to see this crime solved.''
The standout lacrosse and soccer player at George Mason University was last seen alive about 1:40 a.m. Thursday at Smokey Joe's bar in Wayne, where she had gone with some friends from high school days.
Police began a search when her car - the engine running, lights on and driver's door open - was discovered 20 minutes later on I-476 in Delaware County. Blood stains were found nearby.
``Right now, we're still conducting interviews'' with the women who were in the bar with Willard, state police Sgt. Joseph Yazvac said Friday.
State police said they have talked to people who regularly drive past the off-ramp where Willard's car was found.
Police also were looking into a fight that occurred at the bar, but hadn't confirmed whether Willard was involved or if the fight played a role in the killing, Yazvac said.
Late Thursday afternoon, children playing in a lot miles away in a north Philadelphia neighborhood came across a woman's naked, badly beaten body, the skull cracked in two places. An ankle tattoo of the Nike ``swoosh'' symbol and comparison with Willard's photograph provided tentative identification.
The identity was confirmed Friday, after Willard's parents visited the medical examiner's office.
Gail Willard pleaded Friday afternoon for witnesses to come forward with information about her daughter's death.
``This senseless act must be punished,'' Willard told reporters in front of her home.
Willard led the Colonial Athletic Association in scoring with 50 goals this year, including seven in one game, both school records. She was also the only George Mason soccer player to start every game of the season.
``Aimee was a quiet, sensitive person. She was a gifted athlete, a loving daughter and a true friend,'' Willard told reporters on the front lawn of her small rancher Friday, surrounded by friends and family. ``Aimee lived life as the Nike motto states: `Life is short: play hard.'''
Willard was spending the summer at her mother's home before entering her fifth year at George Mason, in Fairfax, Va. She was playing in a summer lacrosse league, taking a course at Delaware Community College and looking for a job.
Survivors include her mother, Gail Willard, her father, Chester City Police Sgt. Paul Willard, and a brother, Timothy.
LENGTH: Medium: 65 linesby CNB