On Aug. 31, 2023, an incident occurred at the Steiner Senior townhouses, which has shaken the townhouse community and deepened divisions that have long been entrenched in our community.  

Two chairs belonging to Shea Tomlinson ’24, were stolen from her townhouse. “I went outside to sit in my chairs, and they were missing,” said Tomlinson. “I was the first one to notice they were missing.” She continued.   

The chairs were found missing in the wake of a Java concert held on Wednesday, Aug. 30. “When we found out the chairs were missing, I was absolutely pressed,” said Sara Rawson ‘24, Shea Tomlinson’s roommate. “First thing I did was call security to let them know what happened,” Rawson said.   

A formal report has been filed with Safety and Security, and a file for the case has been created. However, no progress has been made by Safety and Security in locating the stolen chairs. “Security said they were doing an investigation, so hopefully, they can get some video footage,” said Rawson.   

The students proceeded to search for their lost property. “My roommate Tess and I then drove around campus to see if someone on campus had them or if they were simply moved,” said Rawson.  

Tess Downing ‘24, one of the roommates in the townhouse, sent an email to all townhouses about the incident. In response, someone revealed they had seen the chairs. “Someone responded saying they saw a group of unfamiliar, presumably non-SLU men off with them after Java,” said Rawson.   

This statement was corroborated by Tomlinson, saying, “Someone told us it wasn’t SLU students who took them, and SUNY(Canton) people were at Java the night before, I was told.”  

Rawson and Tomlinson then took the search to SUNY Canton. “Tess and I later drove all around Canton and SUNY Canton campus looking for those chairs,” Rawson said. Unfortunately, no chairs could be found.   

The investigation is ongoing, and no suspects have yet to be apprehended. When asked about a possible motive, Tomlinson replied, “No idea, maybe they wanted somewhere to sit.”   

Rawson explains what has happened in the aftermath of this tragic incident. “In defeat, I bought three new chairs at Kinney’s, and we now keep them inside when not in use.”   

“I feel like those people are abusing the fact that they can come to Java for free,” said Sara. “Then, they have the audacity to steal my shit, so I feel very pressed about that.” 

It is important to note that as of writing this, the level of confirmation that this act was carried out by students affiliated with SUNY Canton stands at “bro, trust me on my momma.” And it is equally likely that our own students committed this audacious crime.  

Rawson’s feelings are felt by her other housemates, who are all exhausted from the emotional toll and just wish this nightmare would end. “I just want my chairs back,” said Tomlinson.