MI MI - Julia Niswender, 23, EMU student, Ypsilanti, 10 Dec 2012 - #3

[Spellbound]

According to the Turnquist family (as MIMOMMY stated somewhere I believe) this computer was taken in the search warrant, as well as other electronics. Others on this forum have disputed this though.

SBM

It is my understanding the laptop taken with the search warrant was not the layaway laptop. Whereabouts of layaway laptop are unknown.

We hashed this over a few days ago, it was very confusing.

 

[black_squirrel]

Seems to me that any "secrets" to be scrutinized should be done by LE, not a forum.
We can toss out what we believe to be secrets, or family tragedies, or mental health issues, or any other negatives to make a family member look bad, but if they are not a focus of the legal investigation, I would think we should let it go. Say it once, discuss it briefly perhaps, but move on.


JMO

Earlier in this thread, the credibility of Kim and Jennifer was questioned because they were codependent (my reformulation). That was not cool. There has been some dysfunction, tragedies etc etc. in the extended family, some of which has been mentioned but not been discussed at length. These things might explain some of the family dynamics that we are seeing and the publicly visible rift between two sides of the family. But I agree that there is no reason to discuss this unless it becomes directly relevant for the investigation of Julia's death. At this point I am not at all convinced that ANY family member has been involved in Julia's death.
(But of course I am keeping an open mind.)

 

[TigerBalm]

The dates in question are December 9/10 of 2012. JT, Jennifer and Kim have stated publicly that that evening and morning (the time of the murder) JT was at home.

Stepfather 'person of interest' in 2012 slaying of EMU student
By Robert Allen and By Katrease Stafford, Detroit Free Press 2:06 p.m. EST March 4, 2015

The Ypsilanti Police Department released a statement Wednesday morning stating that investigators and some family members of Julia Niswender "have concerns that Mr. Turnquist has knowledge pertaining to her death."

"This is due to the fact that he has not provided detectives with a formal statement as to his whereabouts the days prior to Julia's death, thus making him a person of interest," Lt. Deric Gress said in the statement. "We continue to follow leads, intelligence gathered and analysis of the evidence obtained to date."

http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2015/03/04/niswender-emu-homicide-update/24374441/

 

[rosesfromangels]

I need some help filling in some fact gaps.

The last contact we can determine that Julia had with anyone (except the Perp), was when she sent Jennifer a txt/app at approx 10:30pm on Sunday eve. We now know she was enjoying watching one of her favorite movies. All was well

Questions: where were the roomates that evening, and when did they return to the apartment?

What time did Julia normally go to bed? What did she normally sleep in; pajamas or sweats, or? She was found partially clad. Was she found in pajamas or her normal sleep wear? Was her hair fashioned for sleep time? (Many girls wear their hair in a knot on top of their heads for bedtime)
Or was she found in clothing that suggests she was expecting company? Was she gussied up for a guy, or looking like an evening home alone?

Was there 1/2 eaten food in her living quarters? What type?
Was there freshly laundered clothes needing to be folded or put away?
Was there evidence of a recent stop at a convenience store for a beverage or a snack?

Had Julia been on campus that evening for any reason; to use sports facilities or the library?

What items were found in her car that might have shown where she had recently been?

Did Julia have a weapon in her apartment or car for protection? If so, when did she obtain it?

Have all maintainence people with master keys at that building been thoroughly interviewed?

What is the theory amongst the other people that lived in that building? Did anyone male move out within a month of the incident?

Would anyone/ buildings have a clear view of Julia's bedroom window, perhaps with binoculars?

More questions to follow....

 

[Trojan1966]

I, for one, would appreciate reading what you have gathered Trojan. I feel that it would be very helpful, as you and 4ist are the only members related to Julia on this forum. Then, as a group, we can work together to try and fill in any gaps. JMO

I think I'll hold off on my timeline for a few days and see what the forum develops.

 

[DazednConfuzed09]

Roses - fabulous questions! I hope those that can offer insight into these questions will do so.

 

[Spellbound]

A bit of a timeline for Julia from Saturday through discovery of her body Tuesday:

http://archive.freep.com/article/20...t-waiting-for-answers-justice-Julia-Niswender

After leaving work that Saturday, Niswender -- who wasn't in a serious relationship -- went on a date, her mother told the Free Press. The man she was with was interviewed and cleared by police, she said.

On Sunday, Niswender's twin sister, Jennifer Niswender, and her little sister, (MT*), 10, had lunch with her.
Julia Niswender walked them to the car.

"The last thing I said was, 'I love you. Good-bye,' " Jennifer Niswender said.

When Julia Niswender left work Sunday evening, the twins talked by phone and then texted around 10:30 p.m. It was the last time Jennifer heard from Julia.

Police now know Julia Niswender missed class on Monday.

A roommate became concerned when she hadn't seen her for a few days and noticed her car hadn't moved. She contacted apartment security, which notified police.

Niswender's lifeless body was discovered that Tuesday in her first-floor apartment in the 1000 block of Huron River Drive. Her bathroom was connected to her locked room.

 

[rosesfromangels]

Roses - fabulous questions! I hope those that can offer insight into these questions will do so.

Just warming up. So many questions come to mind. I can't form good hypotheses without having a better understanding of her habits.

 

[rosesfromangels]

A bit of a timeline for Julia from Saturday through discovery of her body Tuesday:

http://archive.freep.com/article/20...t-waiting-for-answers-justice-Julia-Niswender

After leaving work that Saturday, Niswender -- who wasn't in a serious relationship -- went on a date, her mother told the Free Press. The man she was with was interviewed and cleared by police, she said.

On Sunday, Niswender's twin sister, Jennifer Niswender, and her little sister, M T, 10, had lunch with her.
Julia Niswender walked them to the car.

"The last thing I said was, 'I love you. Good-bye,' " Jennifer Niswender said.

When Julia Niswender left work Sunday evening, the twins talked by phone and then texted around 10:30 p.m. It was the last time Jennifer heard from Julia.

Police now know Julia Niswender missed class on Monday.

A roommate became concerned when she hadn't seen her for a few days and noticed her car hadn't moved. She contacted apartment security, which notified police.

Niswender's lifeless body was discovered that Tuesday in her first-floor apartment in the 1000 block of Huron River Drive. Her bathroom was connected to her locked room.

I just feel such a tug at my heart when I read this. Thank you for providing.
I want to know where they went on the date, and where she went to lunch with her sisters Saturday.

As sad as this is, I'm glad she had that lunch with her sisters. I hope it is a happy memory for them, albeit bittersweet.

 

[rosesfromangels]

Did she have anything due for class on Monday where she would have needed to consult or collaborate with another student? If so, has this student been interviewed?

 

[Spellbound]

BBM: one roommate was gone for the weekend, the other was in and out.

Julia Niswender was last seen around 5 p.m. Dec. 9, 2012, as she left work at Wal-Mart in Saline. Her roommates called police after not hearing from her for two days. She had two female roommates, and one had gone home for the weekend and the other was "in and out," Jennifer Niswender said.

http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2015/03/04/stepfather-slain-emu-student-custody/24377593/

 

[psyquestor]

I would guess (but I'm not sure) that they would have obtained meta-data of phone records a long time ago. They would not need the physical phones for that.

True, but if the phone(s) had photos that had not been transferred to another device, it would still be handy to have. For example, another non-pornographic image has the same background / location or date.

Sure. I think the two investigations are fairly independent. The alleged child *advertiser censored* could be a possible motive. But if there were only 18 images, then I don't think it would be a strong motive. Even if Julia had found out about this alleged crime, JT could have easily got rid of any proof by accidentally dropping the laptop in lake Erie, and there would be no good motive for murder.

I would say that it would depend on the specific content of those images, as to whether they could be a possible motive or not. For example eye witness testimony to back up other evidence to strengthen it. I keep an open mind regarding this and I include it on the list for completeness sake but so far it is my favored theory.

Stealing someone's shoes isn't a very good motive for murder, but that happens too. (Sadly enough)

According to the Turnquist family (as MIMOMMY stated somewhere I believe) this computer was taken in the search warrant, as well as other electronics. Others on this forum have disputed this though.

Yes, it is disputed. I have removed many disputed issues from the list but this one will remain for now.

MOO

 

[Spellbound]

This is a really touching article about how excited Julia was for Christmas that year. There is much more about her holiday hopes in the article. A very nice read, mostly.


http://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2013/11/julia_niswender_family.html


Julia was excited for her grandfather to visit for the first time since moving to Florida.

"It was really supposed to be one of our best Christmases ever because everyone was excited about my dad coming in," said Julia's mom, Kim Turnquist. "Jennifer and Julia were excited about the gifts they got everyone."
--
The last conversation and the last hug will always remain emblazoned in her mind, she said.

All three sisters met for lunch on Dec. 9 at the Walmart in Ypsilanti Township where Julia worked. The sisters then did some last-minute shopping as Julia laughed, and pointed out all of the things she wanted for Christmas.

It was cold outside, but Julia ran outside the store to say goodbye to her sisters before they left and she returned to work.

 

[psyquestor]

The dates in question are December 9/10 of 2012. JT, Jennifer and Kim have stated publicly that that evening and morning (the time of the murder) JT was at home.

I believe that LE has asked about his whereabouts for the dayS surrounding the murder as well. Comings / goings / work completed etc. This was the basis for my question.

I also would like to know if he interacted with anyone during the times that the family was asleep (text, phone, chat, message board). Can anyone else to verify his whereabouts? What time did they fall asleep and wake?

TIA

 

[psyquestor]

When was the last time JT spoke with Julia (in person or phone)? How often (in general) did she speak with or see her parents or sisters? Was it common to go for days without speaking to one another? (I ask due to there being a few days before she was found. I know each of these people had busy lives). Did the family know Julia's roommates very well? If known, did both roommates continue on at EMU or move after this event?

Do any of them have any impressions or reflections on the "Trust no one" tweet? Could it be a quote from a movie she had seen, a song she liked to listen to?

TIA

 

[TigerBalm]

Julia Niswender's mother frustrated with lack of progress in homicide case
By John Counts | johncounts@mlive.com
on July 26, 2014 at 12:30 PM, updated July 26, 2014 at 1:39 PM

The Reed case was a little closer to home. Turnquist, who works at Meijer in Pittsfield Township, interviewed Demarius for a job a few weeks before he was killed.

“He talked about Julia. He knew who Julia was,” she said

She's happy to see Reed's family getting justice and hopes an arrest will someday be made in her daughter's case.

“When they do find Julia’s person, I won’t settle for anything,” she said. “You take a life, you need to go away for life."

http://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2014/07/post_21.html


BBM

For some reason I thought Kim worked at the Meijer in Monroe, according to this article, Kim worked at the Meijer in Pittsfield Township. Is that the Meijer on Carpenter Road, was she working at this location during the time of Julia's murder or did she transfer locations? TIA

Meijer 3825 Carpenter Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Peninsular Place 1000 N. Huron River Drive Ypsilanti, MI 48197
According to google maps, the distance is 4.6 or 5.1 miles, depending on which route you take

ETA: Was Kim able to see Julia and visit her often if she (Kim) was working in Ypsilanti as well??

Walmart, 2515 Ellsworth Road, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Meijer 3825 Carpenter Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
According to google maps, the distance is 1.8 miles

 

[psyquestor]

According to reports from students, professors and co-workers, Julia was well liked, outgoing and friendly. She maintained a very positive outlook. I know the problems with one roommate has been discussed, but was this her first roommate living arrangement while at EMU or had she had other roommates in the past? (aside from the two she had in December).

If so, did she have any boundary issues with any of those roommates? (ie. touching her things, going in her room, etc.)

 

[psyquestor]

On this comprehensive list you have so graciously provided us, do you have a news article or statement from LE linking JT to CB's murder you could share? I believe I missed it. Thank you.

Last Edited / Updated: 5/20 10:08p
Notes I've been making (please add or correct me on any of the following)

• Soft kill (regarding parental kills) Link from Bessie's post thread 2
• Possible motive - keeping Julia quiet about something someone didn't want others to know. (Child *advertiser censored*? Abuse?) Inferred from the lack of sexual assault, robbery, or other clear motive. (Roses, et. al.)
• Possibly premeditated; no visible signs of injury. Bessie, post #604
• Past allegations of child abuse (2000). Taping mouths shut, hitting with spoons and pans. Monroe News Link
• Not allowed to teach children anymore at Do Jo; allegations of being strict / controlling with children. 4ist referring to conversation with M
• Marital problems alleged; Jim asked for a divorce. 4ist's post
• Refuses to fully cooperate with LE; lawyers up quickly after Julia's death.
• All laptops / PC's not handed over to LE in the beginning. One may still be missing.
• When Julia was not getting along with her parents, she moved in with Grandmother.
• Julia tweets "Trust no one." Julia Twitter Credit: TigerBalm for link. (caspermi thread #2)
• Mother refuses to bring minor child to see a counselor, claiming minor child will refuse to speak to anyone. (TigerBalm, 4ist)
• Person possibly had access to Julia's apartment; was probably known by her. (no sign forced entry)
• Child *advertiser censored* allegedly found; JT is charged with this crime. Monroe News
• Date of offense charged with above: 11/2012 MyFoxDetroit link Credit TigerBalm; info in video.
  See TigerBalm's post for further information: Here
• KT alleged to have had an affair allegedly due to lack of attention from JT.
• Both girls were at a prime age for molestation / abuse by pedophile at the time of allegations of abuse.
• Possibility of martial arts hold used to subdue Julia prior to drowning incident. [concept earlier thread]. Taekwondo Times Article Pg. 26 - credit to Spellbound for the link.
• Young daughter of JT and KT is not allowed to live with JT presently. Link to Freep article; includes next quote
• CPS states she would be "at serious risk of harm" if allowed to live with mother. (see article above)
• Possible tie in to CB case - JT is an avid hunter who takes youngest daughter on hunts with him. (Black_Squirrel)
• CB's body was located on hunting land and her sister is best friends with Julia's sister.
• All three girls attended Monroe HS together.
• Is KT in denial because to be otherwise would be to partially blame herself? Detroit Free Press Credit: FindHG
• JT allegedly has bipolar illness and has shown instability when off meds. (according to some family members)

Last update: 5/20

 

[TigerBalm]

Posted on Wed, Apr 10, 2013 : 6:44 p.m.
Julia Niswender case: Few new details emerge
By Katrease Stafford

A day after police confirmed that Eastern Michigan University student Julia Niswender was drowned in the bathtub in her apartment in December, few new details emerged in the investigation Wednesday.

U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) spokesman Khaalid Walls Wednesday confirmed Niswender family statements that Homeland Security Investigations is assisting in the case.
<snipped>

ICE is participating in the investigation at the request of Ypsilanti police, Walls said. "Homeland Security Investigations or HSI is supporting the investigation with computer and digital forensic expertise through our cyber investigations unit," he said.
<snipped>
http://www.annarbor.com/news/ypsilanti/julia-niswenders-family-body-found-in-unnatural-position/

I recall previous conversation about the FBI working on the case upthread, so were both the FBI and ICE assisting local LE?

 

[rosesfromangels]

We should also remember that the "Trust no one" tweet came just a few days after the Thanksgiving holiday. Thanksgiving was the 22nd, the tweet on the 26th if I am reflecting correctly.

Where did Julia spend Thanksgiving, and was it an uneventful holiday? Who did she spend it with?