Thursday, December 13 2012 3:34 PM EST2012-12-13 20:34:14 GMT
On a typical mid-December day on Eastern Michigan University's campus, students are studying for final exams before Christmas break. But not on Thursday as students react to the murder of 23-year-old Julia Niswender.
On a typical mid-December day on Eastern Michigan University's campus, students are studying for final exams before Christmas break. But not on Thursday as students react to the murder of 23-year-old Julia Niswender.
Wednesday, December 12 2012 11:05 PM EST2012-12-13 04:05:25 GMT
23-year-old Julia Niswender, an aspiring broadcaster and student at EMU, was found murdered inside her apartment near the university by Ypsilanti Police.
23-year-old Julia Niswender, an aspiring broadcaster and student at EMU, was found murdered inside her apartment near the university by Ypsilanti Police.
By Taryn Asher Fox 2 News
YPSILANTI, Mich. (WJBK) -- "I said, 'I love you, and I'll see you later,'" said Jennifer Niswender.
That was Sunday night and the last conversation she had with her twin Julia, a 23-year-old communications major at Eastern Michigan University. Julia was found dead Tuesday night inside her apartment on Huron River Drive in Ypsilanti. Her death is being investigated as a homicide.
"I had a feeling. When you have a twin, you just know, and I was so wishing it wasn't true," Jennifer Niswender said.
"I could feel it in my gut. I just screamed and screamed and screamed. I couldn't believe that it was Julia," said grandmother Rose Niswender.
Family and friends are heartbroken and left with a lot of questions since police seem to have little to go on.
The autopsy has been completed, but at this point it isn't revealing much. Toxicology results are not expected back for three weeks.
Police say Julia's body was discovered inside her locked apartment with no outward signs of trauma, but there were some indicators of foul play.
Her family claims they didn't notice anything missing from her apartment, and they have no idea who would want to harm Julia.
"She was such a loving, trusting person, too trusting, obviously. She was so full of life," her grandmother said.
"Everybody she touched, everybody she talked to, you just fell in love with her, and justice will be served. I will make sure," said her sister.
As the family waits for answers from Ypsilanti Police, who say they are following several leads, Eastern Michigan University is taking every precaution and providing counseling for students and extra police patrols on campus.
"I just hope that she is in heaven now and looking down on me, and I'm going to live every day through her," Jennifer Niswender said.
The family is so thankful for the outpouring of support. They said they have received several phone calls, text messages and Facebook posts to get them through this very difficult time.
If you would like to help with funeral expenses, the family said a fund has been established under Julia Niswender's name. Donations can be made at any Monroe Bank and Trust branch.
Question and Answer
SHERRY MARGOLIS: Have police told you why they suspect foul play in this case?
ASHER: They're not being specific. They're just saying indicators at this point and any other detail they're keeping really close to the vest. Right now, though, police do tell me that this case remains a mystery, a lot of questions. They brought in Michigan State Police, and right now as they work several leads, they plan to talk to family, friends, coworkers, people she knew, people she lived with... at the Peninsula Place Apartments, anybody that might help bring them the smallest detail to find out what may have happened to Julia.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:39 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:39:42 GMT
The Republicans in Lansing are pushing a new bill that would base teacher salaries on student performance. But will merit pay really help kids get a better education? Some say the answer is no.
The Republicans in Lansing are pushing a new bill that would base teacher salaries on student performance. But will merit pay really help kids get a better education? Some say the answer is no.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:59 PM EDT2013-05-22 02:59:19 GMT
Some Detroiters say their neighbor is hoarding dogs. She has been accused of doing it before. In 2011, 25 dogs were removed from her home, but we're told a case was never brought.
Some Detroiters say their neighbor is hoarding dogs. She has been accused of doing it before. In 2011, 25 dogs were removed from her home, but we're told a case was never brought.
Monday, May 20 2013 11:03 PM EDT2013-05-21 03:03:59 GMT
Some residents in Clinton Township say they are upset over a horrible smell that seems to be at its peak when temperatures soar. They claim it has been going on for years.
Some residents in Clinton Township say they are upset over a horrible smell that seems to be at its peak when temperatures soar. They claim it has been going on for years.
Thursday, May 16 2013 7:58 PM EDT2013-05-16 23:58:47 GMT
35-year-old Sabrina Gianino was found dead inside her boyfriend's flat on Wayburn in Grosse Pointe Park just after midnight on Wednesday. Police are calling the death suspicious.
35-year-old Sabrina Gianino was found dead inside her boyfriend's flat on Wayburn in Grosse Pointe Park just after midnight on Wednesday. Police are calling the death suspicious.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 10:59 PM EDT2013-05-16 02:59:09 GMT
Warren police raided a pet store described as a little shop of horrors. The owner is not only accused of keeping animals in filthy conditions, but keeping them in a building without working utilities.
Warren police raided a pet store described as a little shop of horrors. The owner is not only accused of keeping animals in filthy conditions, but keeping them in a building without working utilities.
Thursday, May 23 2013 1:30 PM EDT2013-05-23 17:30:30 GMT
The incident forcing the partial evacuation of Detroit Metropolitan Airport for hours one day last month was triggered by law enforcement officials' belief that they'd found an improvised explosive device in luggage.
The incident forcing the partial evacuation of Detroit Metropolitan Airport for hours one day last month was triggered by law enforcement officials' belief that they'd found an improvised explosive device in luggage.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:28 PM EDT2013-05-23 16:28:22 GMT
One week after appearing via satellite on the American Idol season finale the Queen of Soul has rescheduled next month's planned performance at the DTE Energy Music Theatre.
One week after appearing via satellite on the American Idol season finale the Queen of Soul has rescheduled next month's planned performance at the DTE Energy Music Theatre.
Thursday, May 23 2013 11:48 AM EDT2013-05-23 15:48:50 GMT
Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is dropping his longtime lawyer. Kilpatrick told a judge Thursday that his relationship with James Thomas deteriorated long before his conviction.
Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is dropping his longtime lawyer. Kilpatrick told a judge Thursday that his relationship with James Thomas deteriorated long before his conviction two months ago on corruption charges.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:59 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:59:53 GMT
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:58 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:58:41 GMT
New U.S. Census Bureau estimates say Detroit's population remained just above 700,000 last year. The figures show Detroit lost residents between 2011 and 2012, but the decline was at a slower pace than in previous years.
New U.S. Census Bureau estimates say Detroit's population remained just above 700,000 last year. The figures show Detroit lost residents between 2011 and 2012, but the decline was at a slower pace than in previous years.
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