Police continue to search for answers in the homicide of Brittany Zimmermann, a 21-year-old UW-Madison junior found dead in her apartment Wednesday.
Police did clear Zimmermann’s boyfriend, UW-Madison student Jordan Gonnering, as a suspect in the case. According to a police report, Gonnering is cooperating with detectives and is aiding their investigation.
Madison Police Department public information officer Joel DeSpain said investigators continued to search Zimmermann’s West Doty Street apartment where she was found for forensic evidence Thursday. Despite speculation, DeSpain said police could not confirm details about who found Zimmermann’s body or who made the phone call which led police to the residence.
Dane County Coroner John Stanley conducted an autopsy on Zimmermann’s body Thursday morning, but did not release conclusive results. Police said possible evidence from Zimmermann’s apartment and the surrounding area is being tested at the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory.
Zimmermann’s family is working with the Dane County Victim/Witness Unit to inform them of case developments, according to police. The family asked for privacy as they grieve.
Student Ald. Eli Judge, District 8, urged the campus community to come together for support and compassion in the wake of the tragedy.
“Look after each other. This is a time where we can kind of all help each other out not only to each other but also to friends and family of the Zimmermanns,” Judge said.
Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, said a neighborhood meeting is scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Capitol Lakes Retirement Community, formerly the Meriter Retirement Hospital, at 333 W. Main St.
“The purpose of this meeting is to start a dialogue between community members and the police,” Verveer said.
DeSpain said police received numerous tips regarding the case and encouraged residents who saw anything suspicious to call Madison Area Crime Stoppers at 608-266-6014.
