Bloomington Police Department officers responded to Stratum Apartments at 3130 E. Goodnight Way after a man and woman were found dead in the common area of one of the apartment buildings.

When officers arrived they found a 20-year-old man dead from an apparent suicide by hanging according to a BPD press release. Near him, officers discovered a 21-year-old woman dead from apparent stab wounds.

Detectives said they believe the male killed the female victim before taking his own life, according to the release.

The 21-year-old female, Yaolin Wang, was a junior who transferred to IU this fall from North Seattle Community College to study at the Kelley School of Business, according to a statement from Provost Lauren Robel. The 20-year-old man, Chuanlin Xiao, was not a student, IU spokesperson Mark Land said.

Wang, who was from China, lived in the apartment building on Goodnight Way. Xiao lived in Washington State.

The victim and suspect had been in a relationship for approximately 6 months, according to the release. They had lived together at the apartment on Goodnight Way for approximately a month. No additional individuals are thought to be involved.

The officials of the Stratum Apartment complex declined to comment on the case. There was no indication that the location was still an active crime scene as of Thursday afternoon.

This case is unrelated to the missing persons case of Joseph Smedley, according to Lt. Brad Seifers of BPD.

Police have confirmed the families of both the victim and suspect have been notified.

Alyson Malinger and Ashleigh Sherman

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