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.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:53 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:53:47 GMT
Anna Bailey was walking back from the gas station Thursday morning when she found 16-year-old Emonte Davis lying in the middle of the sidewalk on Sharon Street. He had been shot in the chest, and she tried to help.
Anna Bailey was walking back from the gas station Thursday morning when she found 16-year-old Emonte Davis lying in the middle of the sidewalk on Sharon Street. He had been shot in the chest, and she tried to help.
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.
Friday, May 24 2013 11:58 PM EDT2013-05-25 03:58:44 GMT
Police say a woman was held captive at a hotel for several days and forced to have sex around the clock with multiple men, whoever would pay the price. 26-year-old Deante Brown now faces sex trafficking charges.
Police say a woman was held captive at a hotel for several days and forced to have sex around the clock with multiple men, whoever would pay the price. 26-year-old Deante Brown now faces sex trafficking charges.
Friday, May 24 2013 11:18 PM EDT2013-05-25 03:18:53 GMT
Dairy Boy keeps getting hit with tire tracks in the yard, so they brought in boulders to act as a visual warning and physical reminder not to cut the corner. Now they've been told those rocks must go.
Dairy Boy keeps getting hit with tire tracks in the yard, so they brought in boulders to act as a visual warning and physical reminder not to cut the corner. Now they've been told those rocks must go.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:34 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:34:36 GMT
The pediatrician called him a big baby, his parents believed their boy was genetically destined to be obese, but he proved them all wrong. One day, he made a critical decision and became a weight loss winner.
The pediatrician called him a big baby, his parents believed their boy was genetically destined to be obese, but he proved them all wrong. One day, he made a critical decision and became a weight loss winner.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:54 PM EDT2013-05-25 00:54:08 GMT
More than 150 dogs have been removed from locations owned by a breeding facility in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula, where officials said the animals were living in outdoor enclosures with little protection.
More than 150 dogs have been removed from locations owned by a breeding facility in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula, where officials said the animals were living in outdoor enclosures with little protection.
Friday, May 24 2013 7:06 PM EDT2013-05-24 23:06:29 GMT
Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger, an institution for generations of University of Michigan students in Ann Arbor, is about to undergo a historic change of address.
Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger, an institution for generations of University of Michigan students in Ann Arbor, is about to undergo a historic change of address.
Friday, May 24 2013 6:54 PM EDT2013-05-24 22:54:49 GMT
Gleaming stainless steel circa 1975 provides the once futuristic setting for Southfield's best-kept secret -- Anthony's Coney Cafe inside the IBM building at Nine Mile and Southfield Road.
Gleaming stainless steel circa 1975 provides the once futuristic setting for Southfield's best-kept secret -- Anthony's Coney Cafe inside the IBM building at Nine Mile and Southfield Road.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:31 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:31:37 GMT
A home explosion in Royal Oak back in February killed a man and damaged dozens of houses. Now some homeowners are complaining that insurance companies are making repairs difficult.
A home explosion in Royal Oak back in February killed a man and damaged dozens of houses. Now some homeowners are complaining that insurance companies are making repairs difficult.
Friday, May 24 2013 1:52 PM EDT2013-05-24 17:52:39 GMT
Alan Lee asks Wallace if the subject of Viagara will 'come up' in Wallace's scheduled interview with former Senator Bob Dole. Wallace responds, "Comes up, really that's what you're going to say?"
Alan Lee asks Wallace if the subject of Viagara will 'come up' in Wallace's scheduled interview with former Senator Bob Dole. Wallace responds, "Comes up, really that's what you're going to say?"
Friday, May 24 2013 1:29 PM EDT2013-05-24 17:29:01 GMT
School officials say an earlier lockdown at three schools in Allen Park Friday has been lifted.
School officials say an earlier lockdown at three schools in Allen Park Friday has been lifted. Officials say police gave the all-clear at Allen Park Middle School, Lindemann Elementary and Riley Education Center around 12:40 p.m. Friday.
