David Kahl
MADISON, WI (WSAU-WAOW) – The man accused in the 2008 killing of UW-Madison student Brittany Zimmermann of Marshfield was found competent to face charges Thursday.
A judge ruled that David Kahl, 55, is able to understand the proceedings against him and assist in his defense after a medical expert’s opinion was presented in court. Kahl hasn’t disputed that finding at this time.
A criminal complaint states Kahl got into the 21-year old Zimmermann’s downtown apartment in April 2008 and killed her. The complaint says Kahl’s DNA matches DNA from the crime scene. Authorities say Kahl had approached strangers on the day of the killing and asked for money, using the ruse he needed funds for car repairs but intending to buy drugs.
Zimmermann’s 911 call at the time of her attack was mishandled. Dispatchers accidentally hung up and did not dispatch police to her address.
Kahl was charged more than a decade after the crime in March 2020.
Present for the court hearing over Zoom were Zimmermann’s parents, Jean and Kevin Zimmermann. During the years after Brittany Zimmermann’s homicide, her parents continued to advocate for additional investigation up until the time Kahl was charged.
A preliminary hearing for Kahl is scheduled for July 15, when a judge will decide if there is enough evidence for the case to head to trial.
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