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MPR News Staff

Medical examiner rules NDSU student's death a homicide

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Tom Bearson
Tom Bearson
Courtesy of North Dakota State University

Thomas Bearson, the North Dakota State University student whose body was discovered in Moorhead, died from "homicidal violence."

• Related: Mourners in Minnesota, North Dakota honor student

The Ramsey County Medical Examiner's Office made the determination, Moorhead police said late Thursday.

Earlier this week, authorities said Bearson, a freshman from Sartell, Minnesota, hadn't been seen since leaving a party about 3 a.m. Saturday. The nursing student lived in a residence hall on campus. Fargo police and firefighters unsuccessfully searched the Red River and a Fargo neighborhood near NDSU Monday.

On Tuesday, Bearson's body was found in a commercial area of Moorhead.

It's unclear whether law enforcement authorities have identified a person of interest. Shortly after the body was found, Fargo Police Chief Keith Ternes said police weren't looking for any suspects.

Police say Bearson's white Nike Air Jordan left tennis shoe (size 9 1/2) and his cell phone have not been located. They are asking for the public's help in locating the items. Anyone with information should call the Red River Regional Dispatch Center at (701) 451-7660.

Fargo police posted photos of the type of shoe and cell phone still missing:

The Associated Press contributed to this report.