Michael Todd is a psychology professor for Paradise Valley Community College and has been placed on leave after one of his students, 19-year-old Andria Ziegler was found critically ill in his apartment. The student later died.
Rescue personnel showed up at 2:30 a.m and after finding her in critical condition, took Ziegler to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead at approximately 3:30 a.m on Sunday, April 20, 2008.
According to her mother, Ziegler left the house on Saturday evening with only her wallet and cell phone, telling her mother she would be back soon.
Monday, the family reported her missing and started distributing flyers around the neighborhood. The family wasn't immediately notified of their child's death because she had no identification with her when she arrived at the coroner's office, according to officials.
Initially the death was being investigated but not as a homicide, but after Ziegler's parents had provided them with additional information, the police decided to investigate the circumstances a little more closely.
Cause of death is still pending.
This story has brought up other questions though, regarding Michael Todd, who the family, after hiring a private investigator, calls a "predator".
The reason for their concern is that in 2002 a student had
accused Todd of making sexual advances.
The 2002 police report said Todd offered to counsel the student in his private office in Phoenix. During the session, the woman told investigators Todd engaged in sexual misconduct.
The student said she told the school's Dean about the incident shortly after it happened, according to the police report.
The school released a brief statement which said officials couldn't confirm or deny that the woman was telling the truth.
At this time, although police are investigating the circumstances of Ziegler's death, it is not considered a homicide and until the autopsy and full toxicological reports are in, no one will know what caused the 19 year old girl's death.
The reason that Todd is on administrative leave is because PVCC officials are investigating whether he broke school policies by having a relationship with a student.
Ziegler's mother, Kimberley McManus, says Andria was the fifth oldest out of eight kids, and also says that they are going to
focus on celebrating Andria's life and not let negativity take over. She continues with,
"She was the one who always made everybody smile. She had a magical spirit."
RIP Andria.
Sue D. in Education
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