Professor was devoted to her autistic son

KENT (AP) — A Kent State University professor who was beaten in her home and later died was devoted to caring for her 18-year-old autistic son, who is charged in her death, friends say.

Gertrude “Trudy” Steuernagel, 60, struggled to raise her son, Sky Walker, but she loved him and would want people to know that autism doesn’t equal violence, said Steven Hook, chairman of the school’s political science department, where Steuernagel taught political theory and women’s studies.

Steuernagel died Friday at an Akron hospital, a week after she was severely injured in a beating.

An autopsy was completed Monday but there was no immediate cause of death determined. The autopsy showed evidence of bruises around her head and chest, said Gary Guenther, an investigator with the Summit County medical examiner’s office.

Walker, who is being held in jail on $2 million bond, was scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday on charges of attempted murder and assault on a police offer. Portage County Sheriff David Doak said it was possible that the charge will be upgraded to murder.

An attorney representing Walker, Errol Can, said he couldn’t comment on the case.

Authorities have not discussed a possible motive.

Dr. Max Wiznitzer, a neurologist who treats autistic children at Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, said there is no direct link between autism and violence, but such youngsters often display more anxiety and frustration.