On August 19th, 2012, Brian Cooper viciously ended the life of my daughter, Alisha Bromfield and her unborn daughter, Ava Lucille. She was just days away from her 22nd Birthday.

Cooper was charged in Wisconsin with two counts of first-degree intention homicide and one count of third degree sexual assault. He was tried in June of 2013 (case number 2012 CF 000109) and found guilty of sexual assault, but after deliberation the jury was unable to make a unanimous decision on the two counts of murder. This criminal that took the life of my daughter and granddaughter was protected by the Wisconsin statute 939.42, which allows voluntary intoxication to be used as a defense for murder. 

I made a promise at my daughter’s funeral that I would not stop fighting for justice and have attended every motion hearing. I will not give up! Brian Cooper and others who use intoxication as a defense, must be held accountable for their crimes and be sentenced accordingly. It is unbearable to think that my family must once again hear graphic testimony, view footage of his confession and the horrible things he did to my daughter and unborn granddaughter and see her lifeless body. I am haunted by these images. My daughter no longer has a voice.  I beg you to move this bill forward to bring justice to my daughter and protect other victims of such crimes. Please do not fail her and others who have suffered at the hands of those that claim intoxication as a defense.

On Thursday February 27th at 11am, the Judiciary Committee will give this bill a public hearing. This hearing will take place at the Capitol building in Madison, Wisconsin. The committee will be assessing the bill (AB 780) to eliminate the statue permiting voluntary intoxication as a defense to criminal liability. This is an important first step in making this bill become a law in the state of Wisconsin.

We need your help. Although, Alisha’s voice was silenced, I need you to communicate for my daughter by signing the petition that will go directly to the legislative representatives. I am asking family, friends, and anyone that has been touched by this tragedy to please support AB 780 to eliminate the statute permitting voluntary intoxication as a defense to criminal liability. Please sign this petition and join me at the state Capitol Building in Madison Wisconsin on February 27th at 11am. I will be forever grateful for your support; I cannot do this alone. 

Sincerely, 

Sherry Anicich