A local man has been arrested and charged with the murder of a UNA student over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Brioni “Bree” Rutland’s body was found in the Tennessee River on Friday, Nov. 29. University police were notified when Tuscumbia police arrested the suspect in Rutland’s murder case, said Bob Pastula, UNA chief of police.

University police are assisting area officials in the ongoing investigation, though they cannot comment on the case at this time, Pastula said.

“If students have any information (regarding the investigation), they could contact Tuscumbia Police,” Pastula said.

An email from Vice President of Student Affairs David Shields on Sunday, Dec. 1 confirmed that Rutland was a current student at UNA.

“Brioni was a current UNA student studying education,” Shields said via email. “He was scheduled to do his student teaching during the coming spring semester.  We are all deeply saddened and shocked by his death.”

Student Counseling Services are available to assist students during the grieving process, and can be reached at (256) 765-5215, Shields said.

“There are also other university services available through the Division of Student Affairs and the Office of Human Resources to support students, staff and faculty,” Shields said via email.

Tuscumbia Police can be reached at (256) 383-3121.

Stick with The Flor-Ala as this story develops.