EAST LANSING, Mich. (WWJ) -- Friday marks three weeks since 18-year-old Rochester Hills native and Grand Valley State University student Brendan Santo was last seen on the campus of Michigan State University.
He was last seen leaving Yakeley Hall shortly before midnight on Friday, Oct. 29 -- the night before the big Michigan-Michigan State football game -- and it has since been confirmed a camera -- that may have been able to answer questions about his disappearance -- wasn’t working that night.
During a virtual town hall discussion regarding on-campus safety on Wednesday, MSU Vice President Vennie Gore explained why that was the case -- the school was notified over the summer that a computer chip inside the camera was made by an international company that was “on the banned list by the federal government.”
It was not immediately clear what company that was.
MSU officials say they plan to install some 300 new cameras on campus, possibly by Thanksgiving.
Replacing cameras is just one way the university is stepping up campus safety, as officials are also discussing a mobile app that will allow the MSU GPS system to be used to track on-campus movement with that person’s permission.
For example, a student would be able to check on a roommate walking home from the library late at night.
No roll-out date for the app has been announced.
The added security measures come in the wake of Santo’s disappearance and Wednesday’s town hall was aimed at easing on-campus fears as the search continues.
A cash reward for tips in Santo’s disappearance has increased to $20,000. A community prayer vigil was held last weekend at Rochester Adams High School.
Authorities have said no foul play is suspected in Santo's disappearance.
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