A WKU alumna was found dead in her home after being strangled to death on Tuesday.

The victim, 25-year-old Erica Owen of Owensboro, was allegedly strangled and pronounced dead at the scene when the police arrived at her home on July 3, according to the police report. The Daviess County coroner told WFIE that Owen died by asphyxia and strangulation.

According to the police report, Owen was found dead in her home and the subsequent investigation indicated that 26-year-old Matthew Adams intentionally murdered Owen.

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Owensboro police responded to a call at the 2200 block of Barron Drive where they found Adams who had attempted suicide, according to WFIE. The police were also given information regarding a homicide in the 3200 block of Placid Place, according to WFIE.

Adams is being charged with murder and domestic violence, according to police. Adams and Owens allegedly had a previous relationship, WFIE reported. Court records show that Owen filed a domestic violence order against Adams last month.

Owen graduated from WKU with a bachelor’s in nursing in the fall of 2017 and was a registered nurse at the Owensboro Health Regional Hospital.

Many people on social media have expressed their grief for Owen’s passing: 

There will be a candlelight memorial to remember Owen at the Owensboro Health Regional Hospital on Friday, July 6 at 8:30 p.m.

Nicole Ziege can be reached at 270-745-6011 and [email protected]. Follow Nicole Ziege on Twitter at @NicoleZiege.