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Family hires private detective to investigate student death

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LAWRENCEVILLE, GA (CBS ATLANTA) -

There are new details in the investigation of a Valdosta State University student found dead in her dorm building last week. 

The family of 17-year-old Jasmine Benjamin has hired an attorney and a private investigator to assist in the ongoing investigation.

Benjamin's family first learned of her death from a post on Facebook and was critical of how the school handled the situation. 

Benjamin's mother and stepfather hope a private investigator can stir up new leads on a possible suspect.

"It's been tough, there's a lot of shock, disbelief and sadness," said family attorney A. Thomas Stubbs.

Benjamin never made it to her 18th birthday which would have occurred this coming Saturday. She was found last week dead in a common area of her Valdosta State University dorm.

The family hired Robin Martinelli and Stubbs with hopes of expanding their search for clues in Benjamin's death.

"We have started an investigation where we are finding anything on social media, and that's where we need your help. Where any of her friends and family on social media that might want to come forward on any of the accounts meaning Twitter, Instagram and Facebook," said Martinelli.

The viewing for Benjamin will be held at the Gregory B. Levitt funeral home on Scenic Highway in Lawrenceville on Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the same location on Thursday starting at 5 p.m.

Copyright 2012 WGCL-TV (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved. 

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