Zimmermann family thanks campus, seeks reward fund contributions

The family of the late University of Wisconsin–Madison student Brittany Zimmermann is thanking the campus community for its continued support ahead of the second anniversary of her death.

The family and Madison police also continue to believe her killer will eventually be found and encourage all who are able to support a reward fund. The fund currently stands at $15,000.

Twenty-one-year-old Zimmermann, of Marshfield, was killed on April 2, 2008 in her downtown apartment. She was a UW–Madison student majoring in medical microbiology and immunology and had a career goal of becoming a doctor.

“Words cannot adequately express our gratitude to all who have been generous enough to assist with the reward fund,” write Kevin and Jean Zimmermann in a statement. “Our current request for ongoing assistance with Brittany’s reward fund comes with much humility and reservation.”

“While the police have continued to dedicate full investigative time to Brittany’s case, the current investigation simply has not brought the answers we need,” they write.  “We plead for your ongoing support to this fund, as we strongly believe this reward will assist in bringing justice for Brittany and our family. Thank you for your ongoing thoughts, prayers, and donations; your generosity will never be forgotten.”

It is hoped that additional donations to the reward fund might provide an incentive for those with information to come forward, according to Madison police.

“The detective team working Brittany’s case firmly believes there are people in this community who know who is responsible for this heinous crime,” said Joel DeSpain, Public Information Officer, Madison Police Department. “So far, those individuals have yet to tell investigators what they know.”

The investigation into Zimmermann’s death is still an open investigation actively pursued by MPD. Anyone with information about the case is urged to call Crime Stoppers at (608) 266-6014.

In 2009, Zimmermann’s family awarded a scholarship to an incoming UW–Madison freshman from Marshfield.

“We’re very thankful that the Zimmermanns have stayed a part of our UW–Madison family,” says Dean of Students Lori Berquam. “And we’re so glad that one part of Brittany’s legacy can be financial support for a Marshfield student.”

Contributions to the reward fund may be sent to the Zimmermann Reward Fund, care of the Marshfield Medical Center Credit Union, P.O. Box 279, Marshfield, WI 54449.

Questions about donating to the fund can be directed to the MMCCU at (715) 387-8686.