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.
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.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 11:01 PM EDT2013-05-15 03:01:56 GMT
We're told a woman from New York was attacked near the Majestic Theatre while trying to help someone in need. Sources say she was then carjacked, kidnapped, robbed and sexually assaulted before she escaped.
We're told a woman from New York was attacked near the Majestic Theatre while trying to help someone in need. Sources say she was then carjacked, kidnapped, robbed and sexually assaulted before she escaped.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:36 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:36:39 GMT
Innuendo, sexual advances and an overnight stay in Lansing -- a politician's former aide claims he had to endure a nightmare on the job. Now a sexual harassment lawsuit has been filed against Rep. Brian Banks.
Innuendo, sexual advances and an overnight stay in Lansing -- a politician's former aide claims he had to endure a nightmare on the job. Now a sexual harassment lawsuit has been filed against Rep. Brian Banks.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:56 PM EDT2013-05-23 01:56:23 GMT
Children were literally screaming for peace. Elementary school students at Cesar Chavez Academy in southwest Detroit spoke out for themselves -- stop bullying and stop the violence.
Children were literally screaming for peace. Elementary school students at Cesar Chavez Academy in southwest Detroit spoke out for themselves -- stop bullying and stop the violence.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:46 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:46:26 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.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:28 PM EDT2013-05-23 01:28:18 GMT
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week.
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week and being treated and screened for diseases.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:57 PM EDT2013-05-23 00:57:50 GMT
Prosecutors have now filed charges against Myron Williams, a next door neighbor to a woman found strangled in Grosse Pointe Park, but the counts do not include murder.
Prosecutors have now filed charges against Myron Williams, a next door neighbor to a woman found strangled in Grosse Pointe Park, but the counts do not include murder.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:38 PM EDT2013-05-23 00:38:51 GMT
Neighbors said he threatened them with a shotgun, then opened fire wounding two people. Now one of the victims has said he's angry the man accused of pulling the trigger is already out of jail.
Neighbors said he threatened them with a shotgun, then opened fire wounding two people. Now one of the victims has said he's angry the man accused of pulling the trigger is already out of jail.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:44 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:44:18 GMT
Today at 2 p.m. 100 community leaders, union officials, concerned residents and Northwestern High School Alumni will protest the closure of the high school.
Today at 2 p.m. 100 community leaders, union officials, concerned residents and Northwestern High School Alumni will protest the closure of the high school.
