Chemistry Student in Murder-Suicide, Police Say
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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — A 29-year-old chemistry student committed suicide by standing in front of an oncoming train shortly after he strangled a female University of Illinois employee, police said Friday.
Police released details of the Oct. 31 murder-suicide after determining that James Radic, described as a loner with difficulties relating to women, was the killer of computer science worker Maria Gratton, 47.
Gratton was attacked as she walked to her car and was sexually assaulted in a university building. The murder shocked students and many now walk around the campus at night only in groups.
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