UW junior Brittany Sue Zimmermann, 21, originally of Marshfield, was killed Wednesday in her 517 W. Doty Street apartment.  As of tonight no suspects have been identified, according to Madison police, who have not ruled out the possibility that the killing was a random act.  A UW student has not been murdered on campus since 1996. 

The MPD is asking for anyone who might have seen anybody running through this area around 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, or someone who might have been in this general proximity, to please call their CrimeStoppers line at 608-266-6014.

In the wake of Zimmermann's death, Madison and university police will be pairing up to patrol Downtown with an "unprecedented visible presence," City Council President Mike Verveer said.

In a well-intentioned -- albeit late -- e-mail alert, Dean of Students Lori Berquam is urging all students to pay close attention to personal safety and to take advantage of SAFEwalk and SAFEride programs available on campus.  Call (608) 262-5000 for more information. 

Stay alert.

My deepest condolences to the Zimmermann family and Brittany's friends.