In honor of slain UW-Madison student Brittany Zimmermann, parents Kevin and Jean Zimmermann helped host a second annual 5k run and walk Saturday morning to memorialize their daughter and show hope for the ongoing investigation of her murder.
Hundreds of people lined up at the Memorial Union at 9 a.m. to run or walk the course, which follows the scenic Lakeshore Path along Lake Mendota. This year's race had almost 250 recorded participants.
Participants paid a $20 entry fee, which went to the Madison Area Crime Stoppers reward fund to help solve Zimmermann's murder. There is a private reward fund of $40,000 available in the case.
Officials hope the memorial run and the incentive of a larger reward for tips will raise awareness about the Zimmermann case and eventually lead to the capture of her killer, who is currently still at large.
Zimmermann, was found dead in her West Doty Street apartment April 2, 2008 by her fiancé, Jordan Gonnering.
Police reports say Zimmermann was stabbed to death.
Madison Police Department Capt. Carl Gloede told the Wisconsin State Journal the Zimmerman case ""is actively being investigated by detectives.""
The latest details of the case were released two years ago in December 2009, when recovered warrants disclosed 48 minutes passed between a 911 call from Zimmermann the day she was killed and the time police were sent to her apartment.
""The men and women of the Madison Police Department, and the University Police Department are proud to partner with the Zimmermann's and Madison Area Crime Stoppers, raising funds to fight crime, while remembering and honoring Brittany,"" Madison Police Department Spokesperson Joel DeSpain said in a statement.
