UCCS instructor identified as Colorado Springs stabbing victim | Crime & Justice

The woman found dead in an east Colorado Springs home on Wednesday was Haleh Abghari, a professor at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, according to a press release. The El Paso County Coroner's Office identified her as Haleh Abghari.

Abghari, 54, was found with a stab wound inside a residence in the 6400 block of Caddy Point, near the intersection of North Powers Boulevard and North Carefree Circle, after Colorado Springs police responded to a 911 call around 7 a.m., Monday's news release said.

According to an email from the university on Monday, Abghari was a professor in the Department of Fine and Performing Arts at UCCS.

“Haleh was an integral part of VAPA’s music program for nearly 10 years, teaching voice, music ensembles, ethnomusicology, VAPA’s interdisciplinary curriculum, and collaborations with theater,” said the email from UCCS Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet’s office.

“The thought of her suddenly no longer being with us is incomprehensible,” said Glen Whitehead, chair of the Department of Fine and Performing Arts, in the UCCS email. “She was an extension of our families and as a great talent she is simply irreplaceable.”

Police said Abghari's death was the 26th murder case being investigated this year. There have been 18 murders by this time in 2023.

The cause of death is still being determined by the coroner.

Police ask anyone with information to call 719-444-7000 or Pikes Peak Crime Stoppers at 719-634-7867 to remain anonymous.