The University of California, Davis, Police Department has announced that it has concluded its investigation into the January 2001 death of student Andrew Wieman, after state analysis of all evidence in the case has been completed and the Yolo County Coroner has determined the manner of death to be suicide.

"We want to express our sincerest sympathies, once again, to the Wieman family and to all of the many friends of Andrew here at UC Davis," said Police Chief Calvin Handy. "They have endured a long, difficult process as several agencies sought to ensure that this investigation was thoroughly conducted. We appreciate their patience in what we know was the right investigative course for our respective agencies. We hope these findings can bring closure to what has been a very difficult period for all concerned."

The 13-month joint investigation by the UC Davis Police Department, Yolo County Coroner's Office and California Department of Justice has been concluded. The coroner's office has notified the Wieman family of its finding of suicide.

The campus and county offices have received the final state Department of Justice report, titled "Equivocal Death (Criminal Investigative Analysis.)" That report states:

"The factors identified in our analysis cannot be considered in isolation. The totality of the circumstances developed from victimology, investigation, reconstruction and death scene were evaluated and compared to other suicides, homicides and accidental deaths seen by these analysts.

"Upon analyzing this case in totality, it is our opinion that the deceased's death was not the result of a homicide. Overall, it is our opinion that the manner of death of Andrew Wieman is most consistent with suicide."

Information about UC Davis counseling services is being made available to students and the campus community.

"The outcome of this investigation may be difficult for some students," said Emil Rodolfa, director of the UC Davis Counseling Center. "The center is available to all students who wish to discuss their thoughts and feelings about Andrew's death."

On weekdays, students can call (530) 752-0871 for assistance. On weekends and after hours, they are welcome to contact the Yolo County Mental Health office at (530) 666-8515.

"College is a difficult time for many students, as they face the challenges of discovering who they are, what they will do, and who they will become," Rodolfa said. "We encourage students who are experiencing confusion, frustration and difficulties with the academic, career, personal or interpersonal aspects of their lives to consider seeking help through the Counseling Center.

"In particular, we hope any student experiencing feelings of depression, difficulty sleeping, problems eating, feeling hopeless about their lives and the future and helpless about their ability to feel control over their lives will seek counseling services."

Andrew Wieman, 20, a junior who had been majoring in managerial economics, was found dead in his bedroom at his on-campus fraternity house on Jan. 4, 2001. The Yolo County Coroner determined the cause of death to be multiple stab wounds. Further investigation revealed that a knife believed to have caused the wounds had belonged to Andrew and contained his fingerprints. A note discovered in his room was also found to have been written by Andrew. Tests showed no alcohol or drugs in his system.

In the ensuing months, the Department of Justice evaluated evidence provided by the UC Davis Police Department and Yolo County Coroner. Every report from the Department of Justice, including lab analysis, reconstruction of the scene, and the final equivocal death report, was evaluated in order to come to a conclusion regarding manner of death. The coroner's office then informed the Police Department that it was determining the manner of death to be suicide.

Other facts of the case that can now be disclosed include:

* The fact that Andrew's body was found inside his locked room, the window was locked, and all keys were accounted for.

* There was no sign of forced entry, no disturbance to his belongings, and no sign that any other person had been inside the room.

* Andrew was healthy and would have been able to fight any attacker, yet no sign of defense wounds was found on his body, and there was no evidence of a struggle.

* No calls were received by the Police Department tip line, and no additional information was provided despite the reward offered by the Wieman family.