Cold case team formed to investigate fatal shooting of woman at Michigan zoo in 2001

Bernita White was shot by rifle from about 100 yards away at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing

Published On: Dec 19 2012 10:19:37 AM EST
LANSING, Mich. -

A cold case team has been formed to investigate the death of a woman who was shot as she walked with her 5-year-old daughter toward the entrance of a Michigan zoo in 2001.

Bernita White was shot once by a high-powered rifle from about 100 yards away on the afternoon of June 23, 2001, at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing.

Artis And Bernita White

Michigan State Police announced Tuesday they're assisting Lansing police in the probe. The cold case team is reviewing all case files and evidence.

State police Detective Sgt. Lisa Gee-Cram says she hopes "re-exposure to the news media and to social networks will generate new leads."

White was a 41-year-old computer engineer. Police say she was attending a birthday party with family members at the zoo the day of the shooting.

Police ask that tips be sent to (517) 290-9950, or whitecoldcase@michigan.gov.

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