Hearing in Annie Le case on anniversary of her disappearance

New Haven, Conn. (WTNH) - It was exactly one year ago today that grad student Annie Le came to work in her lab at 10 Amistad Street and was never seen alive again. Since then, Yale has revamped some of its security procedures and created a fellowship in her honor.

A year ago, we didn't know much. Le, 24, was bright, beautiful and gone, seemingly without a trace, five days before her wedding. But after five days of searching, hoping and praying police found her body on the day she was supposed to get married. She was strangled to death, her body hidden behind a wall in that Amistad Street building.

Yale students today said they've put the Le murder behind them, but around campus they say there are more police and guards in front of them.

"I see a lot more security guards around, just stationed on the street versus walking around in the colleges, which is good I guess, and more awareness of blue phones and security at Yale," Yale student Jimmy Murphy said.

But students realize none of that would have helped Annie Le. Lab technician Raymond Clark is charged with her murder in what police call an act of workplace violence.

"I don't think that's an issue of safety within the university," Yale student Samantha Monge said. "I think that was a personal issue and it had a lot to do with her attacker and I think you can find anyone like that anywhere."

Yale Vice President and Secretary Linda K. Lorimer released a statement Wednesday not about security but about Annie Le's memory and fellowship. It read;

"As we begin the new academic year at Yale, we remember with great sadness the tragic death of Annie Le one year ago.

"Her senseless killing was a traumatic loss for her family, her fiancé, her friends and for all of us in the Yale community. The grief across our community was profound, and we continue to mourn and extend our sympathies and support to those closest to her. We also remain grateful for the tireless dedication of all those in law enforcement who have pursued justice
in the case.

"Annie's life and work is honored at Yale through a fellowship established in her memory. The Annie Le Fellowship will benefit doctoral students in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program. Annie was a bright, highly accomplished and spirited student who shared her joy of life and learning with many. There is no better way to keep her spirit alive than by supporting future students who we hope will make as lasting an impression on our University as she did."

The Annie Le Fellowship was created by a $100,000 gift from the Yale Corporation, and it goes to an outstanding graduate student studying the biological and biomedical sciences.

Le's family has hired an attorney and is exploring a possible civil lawsuit against Yale.

Clark's attorneys were in court Wednesday for a meeting with the state's attorney. They are scheduled to return to court at the end of the month.