MADISON, Wis. -- Madison police detectives are investigating the death of a University of Wisconsin-Madison student whose body was found at a residence on Doty Street on Wednesday afternoon.

VIDEO: Watch The Report | VIDEO: Neighbors React To Death

Authorities said that the investigation is focused on a residence in the 500 block of West Doty and cordoned off part of the street early Wednesday afternoon.

At a late afternoon press conference, police said that the woman's death is now a homicide investigation, WISC-TV reported.

The victim has been identified as Brittany Sue Zimmermann, 21, of Marshfield. Zimmermann's family has been contacted.

The family allowed police to release her name and picture in hopes that it will prompt people to come forward with more information about her death.

Police said that a call came in at about 1 p.m. to check on the welfare of a person. Authorities said that a young woman was found dead at this location.

The exact cause of death hasn't been released, but investigators said that Zimmermann's death appears suspicious, WISC-TV reported.

Authorities said that no one is in custody at this time. After the discovery of Zimmermann's body, officers began to canvass the neighborhood and talked to residents.

An autopsy is planned for Thursday morning, WISC-TV reported.

Madison Police Chief Noble Wray said that they plan to increase patrols and visibility in that area. Police also said that they're working closely with the UW and UW police in the investigation.

Authorities and university officials are reminding residents to keep their safety a priority.

"I think together we can support the Zimmermann family and Brittany's friends as they go through and process this tragic situation. But we as a community can also come together to not allow something like this to happen again," said Lori Berquam, dean of students at UW-Madison.

UW-Madison has been updating a Web page throughout the day to keep students informed of the situation. The Web site also highlights services being offered to help students with emotional difficulties associated with incidents like this and it encourages them to use the Safe Ride and Safe Walk programs.

Law enforcement officials are reminding those living downtown to walk in pairs, be aware of their surroundings and to lock their doors.

It's too early in the investigation to tell if Zimmermann's death is connected to any of the previous unsolved slayings in the city, such as the Joel Marino and Kelly Nolan cases.

Many who walked by the scene on Doty Street Wednesday night said they are simply in shock of what's happened, saying, "This doesn't happen in Madison."

A friend of Zimmermann's said early Wednesday evening that he has been trying to contact their friends but that he doesn't know who knows of the death and who doesn't.

And without any suspects in custody, the feeling in the neighborhood has changed for some residents.

"I don't know if I feel safe or not, but I know I have to rethink my safety. I mean, we go running all the time, the bike path along John Nolan, we run through here. I walk my dog through here all the time," said Alexis Schrubbe, who lives near Doty Street.

A man who lives next door to the investigation scene said they never worried about their neighbors, saying they just seemed like regular college students.

Authorities said that anyone with information about the killing should contact Crime Stoppers at 608-266-6014.

Stay tuned to WISC-TV and Channel 3000 for continuing coverage.