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Ohio professor dies after being beaten at home

KENT, Ohio (AP) - Authorities say a popular Kent State University professor who was found beaten in her home more than a week ago has died.

Police say Gertrude "Trudy" Steuernagel died Friday in an Akron hospital.

The 60-year-old political science professor was found badly beaten in her basement on Jan. 29. Colleagues had called police when she didn't show up for work.

Her 18-year-old autistic son, Sky Walker, is charged with attempted murder and assault on a police officer. He is in Portage County Jail on $2 million bond.

Sheriff David Doak says its possible that Walker will be charged with murder once police consult with prosecutors.

Steuernagel had worked for Kent State in a variety of positions since 1975.

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