Following the death of Eastern Michigan University student Julia Niswender on Tuesday evening, those closest to her are reeling from their loss.
Jacob McLaughlin, a close friend of the Niswender family, has spent 21 of the last 24 hours with them and is acting as their spokesman.
“Obviously the family is completely in shock,” McLaughlin said.
He said Jennifer, Julia’s twin sister and a graduate of EMU, was particularly affected.
“It’s been tough on her, probably the most of anybody,” McLaughlin said. “She feels like half of her has been torn away, that’s a direct quote.”
McLaughlin attended the same middle school as Julia in their hometown of Monroe, Mich. and had known her for more than 12 years.
“We met in 7th grade and became instant friends,” he said. “We had an awesome, incredible relationship. We were always at each other’s house growing up.”
The two had remained close and still talked to each other routinely.
“The last communication I had with her was on Sunday, when she sent me a text message saying happy birthday,” McLaughlin said.
McLaughlin urged anyone who wants to help the Niswender family to donate to the newly established Julia Niswender fund in lieu of sending flowers or other things. The fund is intended to help the family pay for expenses related to the tragedy. Donations to the fund could be made at any branch of Monroe Bank & Trust.
Details on the cause of Julia’s death remain unknown, and McLaughlin said the family could not reveal any details about the ongoing police investigation.
“I pray for the safety of the campus, and I pray that the investigation concludes and that the police have everything they need to solve this,” he said.
McLaughlin urged anyone who might have information about what happened to contact the EMU and Ypsilanti police adding that tips could be given anonymously.
Anyone with information about the crime is asked to contact Ypsilanti Police Detective Sgt. Thomas Eberts at 734-482-9878 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAKUP.
