ABC reported that Jovin had been frustrated by Van de Velde's treatment of her senior thesis in the weeks leading up to her death. Family and friends characterized her as being "angry" and "near tears" because Van de Velde had not responded to her first draft.

But on "20/20," Van de Velde denied any negligence in the matter, saying only that she might have been anxiety-ridden due to the impending deadline. Regardless, he said it would not make sense for him to murder her simply because she was angry with him. "I don't understand how it translates into a motive for me to murder her," he said.

He also attacked a theory offered by several New Haven Police Department detectives that he killed Jovin in a crime of passion after an argument.

"Ludicrous. What can I say? Pure ridiculous speculation," he said. No reports of any type of relationship beyond that of teacher and student have materialized.

On "20/20" last night, Van de Velde blamed Yale University and the New Haven Police Department for rushing to judgment and presuming him guilty.

"This is a case of institutions colluding and making a mess of a crime," he said. "The dynamic was Yale and the police talked and collaborated and worked together from the very beginning."

Because of their persecution, aided by "wild speculation from the press," Van de Velde said he has lost his life savings, his letters of recommendation and credibility in the job market, as he has received no offers from over 30 would-be employers.