A Michigan college student is murdered in her apartment and found in the bathtub In the winter of 2012, the life of 23-year-old Eastern Michigan University student Julia Niswender was tragically cut short. On December 11th, she was discovered deceased in the bathtub of her Ypsilanti, Michigan apartment at Peninsular Place. The official cause of death was determined to be asphyxiation associated with drowning, and her death was ruled a homicide. A promising young woman, Julia was studying communications and was remembered by her loved ones as a vibrant individual.
At the time of her death, she was a 23-year-old female.
The scene of the crime raised more questions than answers for investigators. There were no signs of a forced entry into the apartment she shared with roommates. Despite the apartment being in disarray, with drawers emptied and clothes strewn about, valuable items like a television and computer were left untouched. This suggested a motive other than robbery. Julia was found partially nude in the bathtub, with her pants having been cut off. Authorities also found her cell phone submerged in the water beneath her body. Evidence of a struggle was apparent; ligature marks on her wrists and ankles indicated she had been bound. Investigators collected DNA evidence from the scene belonging to two unidentified males, a crucial piece of evidence that has yet to lead to an arrest.
The investigation into Julia's murder has been extensive, involving local, state, and even federal authorities. Over the years, more than 100 individuals have been interviewed and subjected to polygraph tests. Despite these efforts, the case has grown cold, leaving a lingering sense of unease in the community and a painful void for her family. A significant person of interest in the case was Julia's stepfather, James Turnquist. He was scrutinized by investigators, and a search of his laptop in connection with Julia's murder led to his arrest on unrelated child pornography charges. However, Turnquist was later acquitted of these charges. While he remained a person of interest in Julia's death, no charges have ever been filed against him in relation to her murder, and he has maintained his innocence.
Years have passed since Julia Niswender's untimely death, yet her killer remains at large. The case is a painful open wound for her family, who continue to advocate for justice and keep her memory alive. The lack of resolution has been a source of immense pain and division within her family. The community has not forgotten Julia, and her unsolved murder serves as a somber reminder of a life taken too soon. Law enforcement officials continue to seek new leads and have expressed their commitment to solving the case and bringing closure to Julia's loved ones.
