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Surveillance images taken of Dr. Martha Richmond before her body was found on Sunday night.

Gabriel Falcon
AC360° Writer

Kentucky investigators probing the murder of a university professor have released surveillance images they hope lead to an arrest.

The pictures were recorded Sunday night, shortly before Bettina Richmond was killed, authorities said in a news release.

The snapshots, taken from a security camera, show Richmond, 51, leaving the Bowling Green Parks and Recreation building where she had just finished playing racquetball, Officer Barry Pruitt of the Bowling Green Police Department told CNN.

Richmond is wearing a white t-shirt and black track pants on the tape. She is also carrying a gray and white sports duffel bag.

Her body was found in her van just before 11:30 p.m. on Sunday. The van was located in the building's parking lot.

Police would not reveal the exact cause of death and said the complete results of the autopsy would not be known for several weeks. They would not disclose whether they have any suspects or persons of interest in connection to the case.

Richmond's gray and white sports duffel bag was missing from her vehicle. Investigators are asking the public's help in locating the bag. They are also seeking information from anyone who may have seen Richmond on the night she was murdered.

Richmond was a math professor at Western Kentucky University. Her husband, Thomas Richard, also teaches math at the university. Peter Hamburger, the department head, told CNN reaction to the violent death has been one of shock. He also stated that Richmond was on family medical leave last year but was expected to return in January.

As to the killing, Hamburger said, "there are many rumors which I am not repeating."

In a statement, the university said it was “deeply saddened” by the death. “We extend our deepest sympathies to her family. Counseling is being provided to faculty, staff and students.

Police are asking anyone with information to call 270-393-4000.

For more crime coverage go to cnn.com/crime.