Photos Courtesy of Jonathan Cohen/Binghamton University; and the Northeast 10 Conference
Lineva was a nationally ranked tennis star.
By Michael V. Cusenza
A Binghamton University student from Middle Village was killed last weekend in an apparent hit-and-run accident near the SUNY school’s campus upstate, but the woman’s family has indicated that they are convinced that she was murdered.
The body of junior Stefani Lineva, 20, was discovered early Saturday morning on a concrete median on Route 434, the Vestal Parkway, near the intersection of South Washington Street and the Pennsylvania Avenue ramp. Lineva suffered injuries consistent with being struck by an automobile, according to Binghamton Police.
“The Binghamton University community suffered a tragic loss this weekend when Stefani died as the result of a hit-and-run accident,” said school President Harvey Stenger.
Lineva, a star tennis player who graduated from Forest Hills High School and recently transferred to BU from Adelphi University, was found without her ID or cell phone, according to her mother, Daniela Atanassova-Lineva. Stefani was walking home from her boyfriend’s apartment at the time of her demise.
“I think it’s a homicide, definitely a homicide,” she added in an interview with News 4 New York.
Binghamton University President Harvey Stenger on Monday announced a $10,000 reward is being offered by the school and the city of Binghamton to anyone who has information that leads to the successful closure of the hit-and-run accident.
However, cops are working the investigation as a hit and run, for several reasons, according to News 12 Binghamton, including:
- Two medical examinations by certified forensic pathologists, one being independent of the investigation, detailing Lineva’s injuries as consistent with being struck by a vehicle.
- Eyewitness accounts which place Lineva at the approximate accident scene, alone, near the time of the accident.
- Surveillance video evidence placing Lineva, walking alone, in the area near the accident location around the time it occurred.
As of Wednesday evening, the reward for information that leads to the successful closure of the hit-and-run accident had reached $30,000.
“Somebody must have seen something,” Stenger said. “And that’s why you offer a reward. Somebody knows something. The investigators are turning over every single stone at the scene and we’ll work closely with the Binghamton Police Department to help them with any information they need. We hope someone in the community has some information that can lead to the successful conclusion of this case.”
The university has indicated that it is providing support to the Lineva family, and counseling and services to her teammates and others.
“Stefani was an exceptional teammate who had personal relationships with so many people on our team and across the university,” said head tennis coach Libby McGovern. “She loved being at practice with her friends and was always the first one to volunteer when we performed community service. She had very high aspirations of making a difference in the world and doing great things for other people. We are heartbroken.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Binghamton Police Detective Bureau at (607) 772-7080.
