The student was found Sunday in downtown Madison after a person who lives nearby noticed she had been severely beaten, police said.
A man has been arrested in connection with a violent attack on a University of Wisconsin-Madison student who was sexually assaulted and beaten over the recent holiday weekend. The woman, in her 20s, was discovered around 3:20 a.m. on Sunday, lying on West Wilson Street in downtown Madison. A nearby resident noticed her severe injuries and immediately contacted the police.
Upon arrival, authorities found the student with life-threatening injuries and rushed her to a nearby hospital. Though her injuries were significant, she is expected to survive. The case quickly became a top priority for law enforcement, leading to an arrest just days later.
Brandon A. Thompson, 26, was arrested on Wednesday, facing serious charges including first-degree sexual assault, first-degree reckless injury, and strangulation. The police had initially come across Thompson during a routine traffic stop in Fitchburg, where he was pulled over for a registration violation at 1:18 a.m. on Wednesday.
Thompson’s connection to the crime was made clearer with the help of body-worn camera footage from the Fitchburg police, which captured video of a man walking behind the woman before the attack. The video provided crucial evidence that led investigators to Thompson. However, after the assault, Thompson fled the scene, stating to a witness that he had “just found” the woman, which further raised suspicions.
The investigation was greatly aided by video evidence provided by the community, which proved to be the “linchpin” in identifying the suspect. Police were able to use the video footage to read a license plate number, which eventually led them to Thompson. Authorities also gathered additional evidence, including detailed witness statements, biological evidence, and crime scene analysis, which helped confirm his involvement in the assault.
Assistant Chief Paige Valenta of the Madison Police Department praised the cooperation of the community and emphasized that the case highlighted the critical role of video evidence in solving crimes. The swift progress of the investigation is a testament to the collaborative efforts of law enforcement, witnesses, and the public in bringing the suspect to justice.
