UpDate - Vol. 16, No. 12
November 21, 1996
Tragedy affects campus

     Amy S. Grossberg, 18-year-old freshman from Franklin Lakes,
N.J., surrendered to authorities Monday, Nov. 18, and is being
held without bail at the Baylor Women's Correctional Institution
near New Castle.
     She and her boyfriend, Brian C. Peterson Jr., an 18-year-old
freshman at Gettysburg College, have been charged with first-
degree murder in the death of Grossberg's infant son on Nov. 12.
Peterson was still at large at press time, after a federal arrest
warrant was issued Tuesday, Nov. 19, for unlawful flight to avoid
prosecution. Published reports indicate that Peterson is expected
to surrender today.
     "The University of Delaware community has been deeply
saddened by the events involving Ms. Grossberg," University
President David P. Roselle said. "We share concern for Amy and
her family and profound grief over the fate of her baby."
     Roselle said the UD community, both individually and
collectively, must come to terms with the tragedy. Students who
feel a need for assistance should contact Residence Life (831-
1201) or the Counseling Center (831-8107), and faculty and staff
may contact the Faculty/Staff Assistance Program (831-2414).
     According to police reports, Peterson helped Grossberg
deliver her baby on Tuesday, Nov. 12, at the Comfort Inn in
Newark and then left the baby in a Dumpster there. After
returning to her room in Thompson Hall, Grossberg became ill late
in the afternoon and was taken by ambulance to Christiana
Hospital, where doctors determined she had given birth within the
last 12 hours. A search began for the missing baby, and the
infant boy's body was found early Wednesday, Nov. 13, behind the
Comfort Inn. Grossberg had been in Christiana Hospital until
Monday, when she was taken into custody by authorities.
     The incident has drawn the attention of media across the
country, and many reporters have visited and will be visiting the
campus. These visitors are expected to be courteous and
respectful of the members of the University community. If you
have questions or concerns about the media, contact the Office of
Public Relations (831-2791) or the Department of Public Safety
(831-2222).