LE has not stated this is a homicide investigation.
IIRC, a death investigation is conducted for all younger persons (who are below the age of dying a natural death later in life...) to determine the cause. Imo, death investigation does not automatically equate homicide investigation. LE has not released to the public if this was an accident, natural causes (while unlikely, younger people do die of natural causes most often due to an unknown previous medical condition) or foul play.
I think it is too early to assume a predator is out there lurking...and the cause of Toni's passing. Also, it would be prudent for NIU campus security to remind students to practise safety precautions - whether this tragic event occured or not.
Also, some people are speculating that the use of the word remains indicates partial remains. Finding human remains, or found human remains is a standard across the board term when LE finds a body. They did not say partial human remains were found.. (which is common in media articles when in fact partial remains are found). Usually LE will state human remains (which means the body is not yet fully skeletonized) or skeletal remains...
It's far to early imo to speculate on what condition Toni was found...
Also, LE will not officially ID a body until the coroner has made an official id either via dentals, dna or visually id'ng some descriptor such as the tatoo.... SOME, not all ME's, may make an official id based on descriptors such as tatoos or scars but not all.
JMO respectfully
Keeping Toni's family and friends in my prayers.
jmvho - respectfully.
