The Professor's Double Life: 5 Shocking Facts About Nicholas Myklebust, The Regis University Associate Accused of Murder

The Professor's Double Life: 5 Shocking Facts About Nicholas Myklebust, The Regis University Associate Accused Of Murder

The Professor's Double Life: 5 Shocking Facts About Nicholas Myklebust, The Regis University Associate Accused of Murder

The arrest of Nicholas Myklebust in July 2024 sent shockwaves through the academic world, creating a jarring juxtaposition between a respected professor of English Literature and a man charged with first-degree murder. The case, which involves the brutal death of his wife, Seorin Kim, and the discovery of their infant daughter's body, has become one of the most high-profile and tragic legal sagas in Denver, Colorado, history. This article provides the most current and comprehensive details available as of today, December 15, 2025, detailing the man behind the headlines, the horrific allegations, and the ongoing legal battle.

The stark contrast between Myklebust’s life as a scholar—a specialist in linguistics and medieval literature—and the graphic details presented in court has fueled intense public curiosity. From his decorated academic career at Regis University to the dramatic 911 call and the subsequent murder charge, the story of Nicholas Myklebust is a deeply unsettling narrative of a life that allegedly fractured into violence.

Complete Biography and Academic Profile

Nicholas Myklebust was, until his arrest, a highly regarded figure in the academic community. His career path was marked by significant scholarly achievement and a focus on complex, specialized fields of study.

  • Full Name: Nicholas Myklebust
  • Age: 44–45 (at the time of the alleged crime in July 2024)
  • Spouse: Seorin Kim (Deceased)
  • Education: Ph.D. in English from The University of Texas at Austin. His dissertation, "Misreading English Meter: 1400-," was completed in December 2012, with a focus on linguistics and medieval literature.
  • Primary Profession: Associate Professor of English Literature at Regis University in Denver, Colorado.
  • Academic Specialization: Linguist, specializing in the literatures of post-classical and medieval cultures. He was known for his work in reconstructing literary history.
  • Date of Alleged Crime: July 28–29, 2024
  • Current Legal Status: Charged with one count of first-degree murder in the death of Seorin Kim.

The Vicious Attack: Details of the July 2024 Incident

The details surrounding the events of late July 2024 are both tragic and disturbing, painting a picture that sharply contradicts Myklebust’s public persona. The incident began with a frantic 911 call made by Myklebust himself.

On the morning of July 29, 2024, Nicholas Myklebust called emergency services, stating he had woken up on the couch to find his wife, Seorin Kim, on the ground bleeding and their infant daughter not breathing. Myklebust told first responders that he believed his wife, 44, had fallen from a ladder.

However, police investigation and autopsy results quickly contradicted the narrative of an accidental fall. Seorin Kim was found to have died from blunt force trauma, described by prosecutors as a "vicious attack" where she was "bludgeoned" to death. The severity of her injuries led to the immediate suspicion of foul play.

During the initial investigation, the couple’s infant daughter was also found dead at the scene. While the details of the infant’s death have been less publicized and Myklebust has only been formally charged with the murder of his wife, the discovery of both bodies in the family home added a profound layer of tragedy to the case.

Regis University, a Jesuit institution where Myklebust had taught for years, issued a statement expressing deep sadness and confirming that a member of their faculty had been charged with a serious crime. He was subsequently terminated from his position.

The Defense Strategy and Ongoing Legal Proceedings

The legal proceedings against Nicholas Myklebust have been closely watched, with his defense team mounting a vigorous challenge to the prosecution's claims. A key preliminary hearing took place in March 2025, where a Denver judge ultimately found probable cause to support the first-degree murder charge, moving the case toward trial.

The Defense's Core Arguments

Myklebust's public defender, Rebecca Butler-Dines, has consistently argued that the professor could not have had the time to commit the murder and then clean up the crime scene before his 911 call. The defense also highlighted Myklebust's own frantic attempt to administer CPR to his wife, an audio recording of which was played in court.

A central tenet of the defense is to cast doubt on the timeline and Myklebust's state of mind. They suggested that the scene and Myklebust's reaction were consistent with a man who genuinely discovered a tragedy, not one who orchestrated a crime.

The Prosecution's Response

Prosecutors, including Denver District Attorney Anthony Santos, have focused on the nature of Seorin Kim's injuries, arguing that they were inconsistent with a fall and clearly the result of a deliberate and violent assault. They presented evidence to the court that was sufficient for the judge to rule that there was probable cause for the murder charge to stand.

The Wrongful Death Lawsuit and Public Entities

Beyond the criminal case, Nicholas Myklebust is also facing a civil lawsuit. The parents of Seorin Kim filed a wrongful death lawsuit in Denver District Court against Myklebust, seeking justice and damages for the loss of their daughter. This separate legal action underscores the family's conviction regarding Myklebust's culpability and ensures that the case remains in the public eye even as the criminal trial progresses.

The entire incident has deeply affected multiple institutions and individuals, including Regis University, the Denver Police Department, the Denver District Court, and the community of English Literature scholars who knew Myklebust professionally. The case highlights the tragic complexity that can exist beneath the surface of a seemingly successful and respectable life. As the trial moves forward, the world waits for clarity on how a respected professor's life allegedly spiraled into such a profound tragedy.

Topical Entities and LSI Keywords

The following entities and LSI keywords are highly relevant to the Nicholas Myklebust case, providing context and topical authority:

  • Victim: Seorin Kim
  • Location: Denver, Colorado
  • Institution: Regis University
  • Charge: First-degree murder
  • Legal Action: Wrongful death lawsuit
  • Defense Attorney: Rebecca Butler-Dines
  • Academic Field: English Literature
  • Specialization: Medieval literature
  • Specialization: Linguistics
  • Education: University of Texas at Austin
  • Cause of Death: Blunt force trauma
  • Evidence: 911 audio recording
  • Event: Preliminary hearing (March 2025)
  • Official: Denver District Attorney Anthony Santos
  • Related Death: Infant daughter
  • Alleged Weapon: Bludgeoning object
  • Defense Claim: Accidental fall from a ladder
  • Title: Associate Professor
  • City: Aurora, Denver
  • Timeline: July 2024 Homicide
The Professor's Double Life: 5 Shocking Facts About Nicholas Myklebust, The Regis University Associate Accused of Murder
The Professor's Double Life: 5 Shocking Facts About Nicholas Myklebust, The Regis University Associate Accused of Murder

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