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Sociology Professor Found Dead Amid Ongoing Investigation

12/8/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Ashleigh McKinzie, a 41-year-old sociology professor at Middle Tennessee State University, was found dead December 4 in Smithville, Tennessee.
She sustained multiple gunshot wounds, with her loaded gun beside her body.
An armed man, Todd Stanton, was present at the scene.
Investigations are ongoing to determine connection between McKinzie and Stanton.
McKinzie was known for the course "Violence in the Family," and students recall her advice to trust intuition.

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Story summary

Ashleigh McKinzie, a 41-year-old sociology professor at Middle Tennessee State University, was found dead December 4 in Smithville, Tennessee.
She sustained multiple gunshot wounds, with her loaded gun beside her body.
An armed man, Todd Stanton, was present at the scene.
Investigations are ongoing to determine connection between McKinzie and Stanton.
McKinzie was known for the course "Violence in the Family," and students recall her advice to trust intuition.