YPSILANTI, Mich. – Julia Niswender was found dead in her bathtub in an unnatural position, say police and the 23-year-old Eastern Michigan University student's family members.
Niswender's bedroom at her Ypsilanti apartment was messed up with items missing, police say. It's the first time since she was found dead Dec. 11 that police have been willing to release any information.
The cause of death was asphyxiation by drowning, and police do not believe it was an accident.
"Now knowing what had taken place doesn't make it any easier but I'd rather know than not know," said Niswender's mother, Kim Turnquist.
The family has been up to the EMU campus several times during the past four months, putting up posters and asking for help in solving her murder.
A $10,000 reward is being offered to anyone with a tip that leads to the arrest and charging of an individual responsible.
The reward is being offered by Duvall Group Investigations PLLC, whose owner is a family friend.
So far, while police have interviewed many, they have no suspect. The family is hoping the reward will get people talking.
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