(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is mourning the loss of one of its music professors, after the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) confirmed she was the victim of a fatal stabbing that occurred on Wednesday, Aug. 7.
UCCS sent out a message to students and staff on Monday, Aug. 12, following a press release from CSPD that identified 54-year-old Haleh Abghari as the victim of a stabbing in Stetson Hills.
According to UCCS, Abghari was part of the music program at UCCS for nearly 10 years, teaching voice, music ensembles, ethnomusicology, and collaborations with theater. UCCS said Abghari was also instrumental in providing support to Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) students following the death of music student Sam Knopp in an on-campus shooting in February.
“The VAPA family is devastated by the loss of our dear friend and colleague. Haleh was an immensely valuable faculty member for ten years whose positive impact on many students is immeasurable,” said Dr. Glen Whitehead, VAPA Chair.
UCCS said it would be providing information on a memorial service to students and staff at a later date, and the university asked the entire campus to support each other in any way they can, after a “very difficult year.”
According to CSPD, officers originally responded just after 7 a.m. on Aug. 7 to an unknown call for service in the 6400 block of Caddy Point, northeast of Tutt Boulevard and North Carefree Circle. When officers and medical personnel arrived, they found Abghari dead from at least one stab wound.
The El Paso County Coroner’s Office will determine the official cause and manner of death, but CSPD said Abghari’s death is being investigated as a homicide.
CSPD said no suspect has been arrested in connection to this case, though detectives continue to investigate the circumstances that led up to Abghari’s death, including the development of suspect information.
The investigation remains active, and CSPD asked anyone who is a witness or has information to contact CSPD at (719) 444-7000. To remain anonymous, contact Pikes Peak Area Crime Stoppers at (719) 634-STOP (7867).
According to CSPD, this is the 26th homicide in Colorado Springs in 2024. At the same time in 2023, there had been 18 homicides.
