UCCS professor killed in his home – police ask for more information

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (KKTV) – Colorado Springs Police are asking for your help in solving a homicide in northeast Colorado Springs. On August 7, police were called to the 6400 block of Caddy Point around 7:00 a.m. Police say a woman was found dead with at least one stab wound.

CPSD identified the victim as 54-year-old Haleh Abghari. Abghari was a professor in the School of Fine and Performing Arts at UCCS.

Abghari’s neighbors told 11 News they were shocked to learn of the incident, adding that there is not much crime in their neighborhood.

“There has never been a neighborhood where you had to worry about something like this happening. There have been cases where you accidentally left the garage open and nothing ever happened. That something like this happened is really shocking,” said Velita Romo, a neighbor in the area.

Romo said she had been nervous since the murder. She was on her way home when she saw the crime scene.

“Even here in front of the entrance they had everything cordoned off,” Romo added.

Romo said Abghari seemed nice and remained reserved.

“I saw her a few times. I didn’t really know her. She didn’t come out much. I honestly didn’t know anyone lived there for a long time, but when she did come out, she was very nice and friendly. She would wave hello and stuff.”

According to a letter sent to the UCCS campus, Abghari was a professor in the Department of Fine and Performing Arts and a celebrated singer:

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Haleh Abghari, a professor in our School of Fine and Performing Arts, was found dead by the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) on August 7. Due to the ongoing investigation, the CSPD is not releasing any further details. We can confirm that this horrific event did not occur on our campus and that UCCS Police have confirmed there is no threat to our campus community.

Haleh was an integral part of VAPA’s music program for nearly ten years, teaching voice, music ensembles, ethnomusicology, VAPA’s interdisciplinary curriculum, and collaboration with the theater. She also sought to make an impact on a larger scale by being involved in the faculty assembly and other campus initiatives. Haleh was especially committed to mentoring weaker students, going above and beyond the call of duty to help them discover their talents, and never giving up on them.

She was instrumental in supporting VAPA students following the tragic death of music student Sam Knopp last February. Following that tragedy, she became an unstoppable voice for change in gun laws, testifying at the state capitol.

In addition, her close colleagues will also remember her as an incredible artist. Haleh was an internationally known professional singer with a uniquely broad range of skills in opera, contemporary music, experimental theater, and improvisation. She worked directly with the most elite professional ensembles, commissioned some of the world’s finest composers, and was a Fulbright scholar in Hungary. She is a household name in the world of contemporary music, and her loss has sent shockwaves throughout the art music world. A New York Times review describes her “expressive eyes, elastic face, intense poise, and, yes, remarkable voice.” Her colleagues and friends will also sorely miss her razor-sharp wit and sense of humor.

“The VAPA family is devastated by the loss of our dear friend and colleague. Haleh was an immensely valuable faculty member for ten years whose positive influence on many students is immeasurable. She played a significant role in elevating the music program to a national reputation, and the thought of her suddenly being gone is incomprehensible. She was an extension of our families and as a great talent, she is simply irreplaceable.” – Dr. Glen Whitehead, VAPA Chair

The VAPA department has had a very difficult year, dealing with the loss of Dr. Robert Von Dassanowsky in the fall of 2023, the loss of student Sam Knopp in February 2024, and now the loss of their colleague Haleh. We now ask that the entire campus embrace our students and colleagues in VAPA and keep them in thoughts, prayers, and support as they go through another very difficult time.”

Police have not yet arrested a suspect in the homicide. They are asking anyone with information to come forward. You can call CSPD at 719-444-7000. You can also remain anonymous by calling Pike Peak Crime Stoppers at (719)634-STOP (7867) or 1-800-222-8477.

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