The murder of a beloved ex-athlete in the Midwest has left those who know her shattered and police baffled as the investigation lurched forward without an arrest Monday.
Megan Boken, a former St. Louis University volleyball star described as a "beautiful human being loved by everyone she met," was shot and killed in her car Saturday, reported the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The incident occurred near the off-campus apartment where she once lived before Boken, 23, was to play in an alumni game.
Police have yet to make an arrest. Reports that Boken knew her killer have been quelled by police, the paper wrote.
"Megan was a wonderful and beautiful human being loved by everyone she met," the Boken family said to the newspaper.
Police believe robbery could be a motive, according to ABC7. The station noted that her death sparked a response from Misty May Treanor, the Olympics beach volleyball gold medalist. "My heart and prayers go out to one of my favorite families ever - the Bokens - I am sorry for your loss - Please know that I am thinking of you during this difficult time. Investigators said there is no known relationship between Boken and the suspect," the star posted on Facebook.
The Chicago Tribune said Boken was from Wheaton, Ill. According to her Linkedin.com profile, she worked as a financial adviser until June and earned a bachelor's degree in marketing. She led her high school to a state title in 2006, then attended St. Louis University from 2007-11.
She suffered a gunshot wound in her neck and chest, and was pronounced dead at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. While witness accounts differ, police told the Tribune that they aren't sure whether the killer, described as thin and around 5-foot-6, shot her from inside or outside of her car. The Post-Dispatch said witnesses saw the shooter fire into the vehicle after some sort of argument.
St. Louis University opens its volleyball season Friday at the University of Nebraska.
The university released this statement and put together a special memorial section on its website.
"We are shocked and saddened by this terrible and tragic loss. Megan was a truly outstanding student-athlete who excelled in the classroom and on the court. She exemplified the very best of what it means to be a Saint Louis University Billiken. Our focus right now is on providing as much support as we can for our students, and our thoughts and prayers are with Megan's family and friends during this very difficult time."
Sarah Entzeroth told KDSK, "None of our lives will ever be the same. She was my best friends, and she is one of the greatest people I've ever met."
Boken is survived by her father Paul, mother Lisa, sisters Annie Palazzolo and Mary Boken and her brother Joe.
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