BOWLING GREEN, Ky. -- Bowling Green police said they are investigating the death of Western Kentucky University professor as a homicide.

Images: WKU Professor Seen On Surveillance Before Death

Martha "Bettina" Richmond, 51, a Mathematics professor at the school, was found dead inside a van on Sunday night.

Police said they were called to a parking lot at a Bowling Green Parks and Recreation building along 3rd Avenue just before 11:30 p.m. Sunday. Police then found Richmond dead near her tan colored Honda Odessy van.

Relatives said she had been playing racquetball earlier in the evening. Her husband, who is also a math professor at WKU, became concerned when she didn't come home.

Authorities aren't revealing the cause of death and will only say Richmond was killed.

Richmond was a professor at the school for 23 years, according to a statement issued by Western Kentucky media relations.

The school released a statement on Monday.

"The WKU family is deeply saddened by the death of Dr. Bettina Richmond. We extend our deepest sympathies to her family, including her husband Dr. Tom Richmond. WKU counseling services will be made available to staff, students and others who knew Dr. Richmond."

The public is urged to call the Bowling Green Police Department at 393-4000 or Crime Stoppers at 781-CLUE if they can help in the case.