Mayor John Haila released an official statement about the death of Celia Barquin Arozamena Thursday, calling the event “shocking” and “senseless.”

The mayor’s statement comes three days after the event, which he said was to give her family, friends and the university time to respond before him.

Barquin Arozamena’s body was found by police at Coldwater Golf Links Monday morning. A suspect with prior convictions for violent crime, including domestic abuse, was arrested later that day. This incident follows several other cases of violence towards women earlier this year, including a sexual assault that took place on the streets of Ames in July.

Haila said Ames invites Iowa State’s many international students to get involved in the city outside of Iowa State, and the city tries to keep students safe.

“As a community, we welcome the energy and vibrancy that ISU brings to Ames, and we feel protective of the many young people who come here to learn, grow, and develop into the future leaders of our communities around the world,” Haila said in the statement.

Despite the fact he’d never met her, he said, he’d since learned of Barquin Arozamena’s accomplishments and personality and mourned her loss. Haila’s statement concluded with condolences to her family and friends on behalf of the City of Ames.

“We mourn with Celia’s family and friends in Puente San Miguel, Spain, the entire Iowa State University family, and our own Ames residents,” according to the statement. “Celia’s memory will remain in our hearts.”