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2 Vigils Friday Night For EMU Student Found Dead

YPSILANTI (WWJ) - Two vigils are scheduled for Friday in the wake of the mysterious death this week of an Eastern Michigan University student.

Ypsilanti police say there are signs of "possible foul play," but still no cause of death yet for a 23-year-old Eastern Michigan University student.

The body of Julia Niswender was found in her off-campus apartment bedroom Tuesday night and investigators are treating the case as a homicide. An autopsy was performed, but police say the cause of death is pending until more tests are finished. There were signs of physical trauma, so and investigators are waiting toxicology results.

"It's very frustrating at times ... we just want answers," said Jabob McLaughlin, a family spokesman and a long-time friend of Niswender.

"She was fun-loving, just a great personality, bubbly, lit up a room every time she walked into one of them," McLaughlin said.

A vigil for or Niswender is set for 8:30 p.m. Friday outside of the Lakehouse on the EMU campus. The students will be accepting donations for the Julia Niswender Fund, which has been opened to help the family with expense. Those attending the vigil are asked to bring their own candles.

A vigil for will also be held Friday night at Munson Park in her Niswender's hometown of Monroe.

Visitation is at Rupp Funeral Home on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. A service is 11 a.m. Monday at Redeemer Fellowship Church.

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