Newman University has suspended three baseball players from sports activities as Wichita police investigate the death of a young woman whose body was found in a pickup.

Police discovered the body when they were called at around 8 a.m. Sunday to the area of Topeka and Zimmerly. A statement from Officer Charley Davidson said a 37-year-old man found the 20-year-old woman inside the tan-colored Ford Ranger. She was declared dead at the scene.

A police report identified the victim as Griffin Cruise, who was not a student at the university. The pickup was parked in a lot near an off-campus home of students.

Neighbors in the area told KAKE News they knew there was a massive party at the house where the baseball players lived on Saturday night. 

"There was a lot of lights out here, music, fighting," said Sarah Wells, who lives across the street. "They seemed like nice kids, ya know. They were quiet all up until Saturday night."

Capt. Brent Allred said Cruise's death is being investigated as suspicious until all autopsy results are back. Investigators are waiting on toxicology results to determine whether alcohol or drugs may have played a role in her death. 

"This is a very active investigation as we speak," Officer Davidson said Monday morning. "We are asking for the community to assist us."

Anyone with information that might help explain what happened is urged to call WPD detectives at (316) 268-4407 or Crime Stoppers at (316) 267-2111.

Davidson said the man who found the woman's body did not know her. The truck in which she was found belongs to her family. 

Newman University released the following statement Monday:

Newman University officials have temporarily suspended three baseball student-athletes from sports activities while the school awaits more information about an ongoing Wichita Police Department investigation into the death of a woman who was found Oct. 29 in a vehicle parked in a lot near an off-campus home of the students.

During the athletic suspensions the students may continue to attend classes.

The woman is not a Newman student but members of the Newman University community are saddened by the young woman’s death and are praying for her and her family.

Additionally the university plans to conduct a review of this incident. The Newman University Code of Conduct applies to behavior on and off campus. Students are expected to engage in responsible social conduct that reflects favorably upon the university community and reflects good citizenship in any community.