Marino's Girlfriend Pens Letter Urging End To Blame Game
Madison Police Department Posts Letter
Updated: 8:34 am CDT May 24, 2008
MADISON, Wis. -- The girlfriend of a 31-year-old slaying victim has issued a letter to the Madison community that urges people to move past placing blame and to work together to help catch his killer.
READ: Letter From Marino's GirlfriendMadison police said that Joel Marino was stabbed by an intruder in his home on Jan. 28. He was found dying in a nearby alley a short time later.His girlfriend, Amanda Miller, sent her letter to the Madison Police Department for it to share with the community.In the letter, Miller remembers Marino as a "compassionate, attentive, and sincere person who possessed a contagious enthusiasm for life," and she defends the emergency response that attempted to save Marino's life.Miller also refers to two other unsolved Madison slayings -- the Brittany Zimmerman and Kelly Nolan cases -- as a reason why it is important for the community to work together to find answers."I believe that by placing blame we distract from finding the answers we need to bring justice for Joel, Brittany and Kelly," Miller writes.She goes on to write: "Out of respect for those lost and their families, I hope that as a community, we can move beyond incidental details that do nothing to progress the ongoing investigations. I'm asking my fellow citizens to assist by simply being conscientious and to watch out for the safety of their neighbors, friends and family. I'm confident that as a community we can find answers that will help us put these murders to rest and regain the sense of security we lost."The disclosure that a 911 call from Zimmermann's cell phone the day she was slain did not result in police being dispatched to check on her touched off controversy surrounding the 911 Center and finger-pointing by Dane County and city of Madison agencies.Joel Marino's parents, Lou and Debbie Marino, have also been publicly critical of the Madison Police Department's investigation into their son's killing. They requested state help in the investigation and met with the state attorney general.On Tuesday, Lou and Debbie Marino met with Madison Police Chief Noble Wray to discuss their concerns.Related Links:READ: Letter From Marino's Girlfriend
Previous Stories:
- May 22, 2008: Marino's Grandmother Makes Plea For Help
- May 21, 2008: Slaying Victim's Parents Meet With Police Chief
- May 19, 2008: Police: Zimmermann, Marino Slayings Don't Appear To Be Linked
- May 17, 2008: 911 Call Reveals Details Of Possible Sighting Of Marino Suspect
- May 16, 2008: Madison Police Invite Slaying Victim's Father To Meet
- May 9, 2008: Marino's Grandmother Says She's Frustrated By Madison Police
- May 9, 2008: Marino Family Meets With Attorney General
- May 3, 2008: Slaying Victim's Father Wants State Help In Investigation
- April 14, 2008: Jam Session Raises Funds For Marino's Favorite Programs
- April 13, 2008: Joel Marino Benefit Concert Set For April 13
- March 17, 2008: Marino's Family Concentrates Efforts Downtown
- March 11, 2008: Marino's Friends, Family Grateful For Any News On Investigation
- March 11, 2008: Police Release New Details In Marino Investigation
- February 27, 2008: Police: Person Of Interest In Marino Death Is Suspect
- February 25, 2008: Candlelight Vigil Gives Peace In Marino Case
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