EMU coed found murdered inside her Ypsilanti apartment - KMSP-TV

By Amy Lange
Fox 2 News

YPSILANTI, Mich. (WJBK) -- There is disbelief at the disturbing news on the campus of Eastern Michigan University where 23-year-old Julia Niswender was studying communications.  The aspiring broadcaster was also working at Walmart and didn't show up to her company Christmas party Tuesday night.

Ypsilanti Police found her dead in her apartment at Peninsular Place on Huron River Drive across from the university's North Campus around 9:15.

"Julia was never in a bad mood, and if you were in a bad mood, she made you in a good mood," said Adrienne Aaron, owner of Electric Beach Tanning.

"Best personality, loudest laugh, just wouldn't hurt anybody, always smiling," said Keith Logue, who worked with the victim.

Niswender's former co-workers at Electric Beach Tanning Salon in her hometown of Monroe are still in a state of shock that someone could harm, let alone murder, this always outgoing, popular young woman -- a woman who's twin sister, Jennifer, an EMU graduate, still works at the tanning salon.  The twin sisters were best friends.

"When Jennifer called me last night, I was just numb.  I couldn't even input what she was telling me.  I just couldn't feel anything," Aaron said.

Niswender's apartment is off-campus, but it is so close to EMU they sent out a crime alert Tuesday night warning students.

"I've heard from other classmates just remember to lock your doors and to at least keep an eye out," said EMU student Clara Getschow.

"It's definitely scary.  My parents always warn me to like be careful on campus and stuff, and I feel like I'm pretty good about it, but it's still scary," said EMU student Olivia Bouchard.

The medical examiner is not commenting on the cause of death, only saying it is still under investigation.

Ypsilanti Police are asking anyone with information to contact them or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.