GOSHEN —
Shock. Sadness. Disbelief.
Such were the emotions palpable on the faces of many a College Mennonite Church attendee Sunday as news of the early morning murder of GC science professor James S. Miller finally began to sink in.
Miller, a former member of CMC, was killed and his wife Linda seriously injured in what is believed to have been a home invasion early Sunday morning at their home just east of the GC campus.
April Muro, a social work major at the college and former student of Miller’s, was among those drawn to the church for comfort Sunday morning after learning of the attack through a friend’s Facebook message.
“I actually heard the police sirens earlier (Sunday) morning because I live right in this area, but with the hospital so close, we’re pretty used to sirens, so I didn’t think much of it,” Muro said. “This is considered a pretty safe neighborhood, so I couldn’t believe it when I heard it. I was just shocked.”
Shock seemed to be the prevailing theme at the college over the course of the following afternoon as word of the attack on Miller and his wife began to spread.
“I think the students are stunned, and we’re just really worried about the family and hoping that they’re able to have the privacy that they need,” Muro said. “It’s just awful. They were just the best people. I mean it’s not fair for this to happen to anybody, but for it to happen to them...it’s just unbelievable.”
As a former nursing student before making the switch to social work, Muro said she was privileged to have taken several classes with Miller, whom she described as a tough but very effective instructor.
“He was a great professor,” Muro said. “He was tough though. I mean, if you got a C in his class, it was like getting an A in any other class. He just pushed us, and you could tell he really wanted us to succeed.”
Tears forming in her eyes, Muro recalled once even considering switching her major to biology after seeing the passion with which Miller taught his classes and his willingness to always help any student in need.
“His door was always open,” Muro said. “He always made time, no matter how busy he was. He never turned anybody away. In fact, I was really hoping he would be able to attend my graduation in two years because he really pushed and encouraged me.
“This is such a huge loss, for both the family and the college.”
Local News
Related Photos
-
April Muro, a Goshen College social work major, left, reflects on the life of GC science professor James Miller with former GC nursing professor Nancy Liechty Loewen following services at College Mennonite Church Sunday afternoon. Miller was killed in his Goshen home early Sunday morning during an apparent home invasion. JOHN KLINE | The Goshen news
GC community reeling from tragedy
- Local News
-
-
Man pleads guilty to robbery
GOSHEN — A Nappanee man pleaded guilty in Elkhart County Circuit Court to his involvement in a March robbery in Nappanee.
-
A very sweet war: Searching for the ultimate cupcake
A fig, goat cheese and onion cake pop dipped in chocolate? No wrinkling of noses! It was the winning entry in a fierce competition between a local baker, a sixth-grader and recent participants in the Food Network’s popular Cupcake Wars.
-
The Salvation Army celebrates dedication
The Salvation Army in Goshen celebrated service by and to the community. The opportunity came when The Salvation Army in Goshen and southern Elkhart County held its first Celebration Dinner May 17.
-
Memorial Day events planned
Veterans who died in service to their country will be remembered during Memorial Day services this holiday weekend.
-
Police: 32 pounds of pot found in LaGrange
A traffic stop in LaGrange County, with help from a drug-sniffing canine, led police to the discovery of a reported 32-pounds of marijuana Wednesday.
-
Board reviews cleanup status
LAGRANGE — Monday morning all eyes in the LaGrange County Board of Commissioners meeting room were glued to the slide show presented by County Code Enforcement Officer Johnny Boggs.
-
Reception to honor donors set for Thursday
A reception is set for Thursday evening to recognize donors and kick off the fundraising for this year’s Celebrate America fireworks program planned at Black Squirrel Golf Course on July 1.
-
Permits for golf carts passes
NAPPANEE — Those wishing to travel the city streets of Nappanee on golf carts will need to acquire a permit after City Council members approved an amendment to the golf cart ordinance Monday night. The amended ordinance was passed unanimously on third and final reading.
-
Rain barrel auction at First Fridays to benefit Elkhart River
GOSHEN — Colorful, decorated rain barrels will be sold in Goshen late next week in hopes of helping raise funds to improve the Elkhart River.
-
Police: Teen accidentally shot himself
GOSHEN — A 17-year-old boy was shot outside his home at 1824 College Manor Drive, just south of College Avenue, at 3:43 p.m. Tuesday.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Police: Man Arrested in Etan Patz Disappearance
Hurricane Forecast: 15 Named Storms Expected
NYC Protests: the Revolution Will Be Scripted
Chicago U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald Resigns
Neighbors of Etan Patz's Suspect: It's Shocking
Search Intensifies for Missing Louisiana Woman
Bloomberg: Man Implicates Self in Etan Patz Case
NYPD: Person Implicated in Etan Patz Death
Raw Video: Fire on Nuke-powered Sub in Maine
Illegal Burn Suspected in Nevada Fire
Obama: 'We've Got More Work to Do'
Astrologers Predict Outcome of Presidential Race
Gulf Fishermen Reel From Seafood Troubles
Stuntman Makes Skydive Without Parachute in UK
FAMU Bandmates: Victim Volunteered to Be Hazed
Raw Video: Bride Who Faked Cancer Released
Raw Video: Tornado Appears During Wedding
Raw Video: Passed Out Man Robbed
Inquiry Hears Wider Secret Service Misbehavior
HP to Cut 27,000 Jobs, Save Up to $3.5B
