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Who Killed EMU Student Julia Niswender? Police Still Seeking Tips

YPSILANTI (WWJ/AP) - New tips are being sought in the case of a 23-year-old Eastern Michigan University student whose December bathtub drowning was ruled a homicide.

Crime Stoppers on Thursday will renew the call for information about the death of Julia Niswender. More than $15,000 is being offered for information that leads to an arrest.

Niswender was a Monroe native and an undergraduate at the Ypsilanti school. Her body was found in her bedroom Dec. 11 at the Peninsular Place Apartments on Huron River Drive, located across the street from the campus police station.

A medical examiner ruled the official cause of death as asphyxiation associated with drowning.

Niswender's twin sister Jennifer told The Monroe Evening News that there was no forced entry into the apartment, which was found in disarray. She said the door to Niswender's apartment was locked, but didn't say whether the keys were missing.

Investigators said there were no signs that a "sexual assault or struggle" took place. Family members believe Niswender knew her attacker.

Ypsilanti police said in August that they had exhausted most viable leads in the case. The investigation continues.

Anyone who might have information is asked to contact Ypsilanti police at 734-482-9878.

Tips can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP, online at www.1800speakup.org, or by texting "CSM" and your tip to CRIMES (274637).

Click here to catch up on this case.

TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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