By Sara Kaplow (February 6, 2003)

Former George Mason High School student Margaret Muller, a 1993 graduate, was brutally murdered while jogging in Victoria Park in East London on Monday. Muller, also a graduate of George Mason University, was an award winning artist who was in London following graduation from the Slade School of Fine Art where she also taught classes.

Muller was stabbed repeatedly in the arms and upper body, police reports state. Recent updates from London papers indicate that witnesses to the event have produced suspects, who the local authorities are investigating. Muller’s parents both flew to England to sort out their daughter’s personal affairs. 
 

Those who remember Muller at Mason recall her incredible talent for art for which she was recognized with a number of awards and scholarships. "Margaret was one of the most introspective and creatively energetic students this school has ever seen. Her later work, produced after she left high school, was literally stunning in its ability to express inner longing and struggles in her subjects. It’s like looking inside a person’s emotions," said English teacher Michael Hoover.  Muller was not just interested in art, however. Mr. John Ballou, who taught Muller while she was at Mason, said of her work and other interests, "Margaret wasn’t a typical student. She wasn’t just into art. She was in Model UN and on the cross-country team. Still, she loved art. There was a strong eternal strength inside her and she knew her own mind. She enjoyed all subjects and could solve any problem thrown at her."

This oil painting entitled "End" is one of many in Margaret  Muller's extensive portfolio.

Beneath Muller’s senior photo in the George Mason High School yearbook is this quotation, "I went alone, with nothing left but faith." It’s a lyric by Robert Smith of the group The Cure, one of Muller’s favorite bands.

Muller’s father, Erich, described his daughter to the Washington Post saying, "She was dedicated to becoming an artist. A good artist, it’s tragic that she could not continue in this way." 

To view Margaret's artwork visit her web site at www.margaretmuller.com

To share thought or memories of Margaret, e-mail Lasso Online at  lassogmhs@hotmail.com