DETROIT – More than 10 years after a woman was shot and killed while attending a birthday party at a Michigan zoo, investigators are again sending out a plea for tips.
On June 23, 2001, Bernita White was hit by a bullet from a high-powered rifle while walking from the picnic pavilion to the zoo entrance at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing.
The 41-year-old was killed when a bullet pierced her left arm and heart. However, the bullet has never been found.
Police have said there were more than 300 people at the zoo, in addition to the others who were at surrounding playgrounds and picnic areas around the zoo.
White had two daughters -- Michala and Alanna -- and had filed for divorce just a month before the shooting.
When Bernita's mother was informed about her murder, she had a heart attack and died the same night.
White worked at Electronic Data Systems Corporation in Lansing.
Crime Stoppers of Michigan is offering a cash reward of up to $2,500 for information that leads to an arrest. If the tip that leads to an arrest is received by midnight Wednesday, an additional $1,000 will be added to the award.
Anyone who has information regarding the crime should call Crime Stoppers of Michigan at 1-800-SPEAK-UP or 1-800-773-2587.
All calls and cash rewards are completely anonymous.