Cornell University Student Murdered in Cayuga Heights

Police in Tompkins County are investigating the murder of a Cornell University student, allegedly at the hands of her boyfriend.

Officials accused 32 year old Benjamin Cayea of strangling 23 year old Shannon Jones to death during an argument on Thanksgiving night.

Police say Cayea is charged with murder and terrorism.

Investigators say the man drove to a friend’s home following the incident and did not call authorities.

He was arrested by the Cayuga Heights Police Department and is being held in the Tompkins County Jail without bail.

A support meeting for students was scheduled for 4:30 p.m. December 1 in the lounge of Upson Hall on the Cornell campus.

Jones was a senior, attending Cornell’s College of Engineering.