The Unsolved Mystery: 5 Shocking Facts About The Brittany Phillips Cold Case And Her Mother's 20-Year Fight For Justice

As of December 18, 2025, the name Brittany Phillips remains synonymous with one of Oklahoma's most enduring and heartbreaking cold cases. The brutal 2004 murder of the 18-year-old college student in her Tulsa apartment continues to haunt the community, drawing national attention from true crime enthusiasts and investigators alike. This is not a story of a social media personality or a celebrity, but a deep dive into a tragedy that has become a symbol of a mother's relentless fight for justice, a crusade that has spanned more than two decades.

The case of Brittany Phillips is a complex web of mishandled evidence, cleared suspects, and a mother's tireless advocacy to keep her daughter's memory—and the search for her killer—alive. The 20th anniversary of her death in September 2024 reignited public interest, underscoring the urgency to finally resolve this devastating unsolved mystery. The following details the life of the victim and the shocking facts surrounding the investigation.

Biography and The Tragic End of Brittany Phillips

Brittany Phillips was an 18-year-old student at Tulsa Community College (TCC) when her life was tragically cut short. She was described by loved ones as a bright, aspiring student and, according to some reports, a successful model who was a loving mother to two children.

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• Full Name: Brittany Phillips
• Date of Birth: Information not publicly available (Approx. 1986)
• Age at Death: 18
• Education: Student at Tulsa Community College (TCC)
• Residence: East Tulsa apartment, near 61st and Mingo
• Date of Crime: September 30, 2004 (Her body was discovered on this date)
• Cause of Death: Raped and strangled
• Key Family Member: Dr. Maggie Zingman (Mother)

Brittany was living on her own in a second-story apartment near the high school she had graduated from. On the day she was last seen, she had left Tulsa Community College with a friend, dropping the friend off before driving home. When she stopped showing up to class, her absence raised suspicions among those who knew her.

She was discovered deceased in her bedroom on September 30, 2004, having been raped and strangled. The crime scene suggested a sexually motivated murder, though initial reports noted no semen was found in her body. However, DNA evidence, including semen and blood, was later taken from the scene, particularly from a bed sheet.

The Shocking State of the Initial Investigation and DNA Evidence

The investigation into Brittany Phillips's murder has been plagued by controversy and perceived failures, leading her mother to take a primary role in seeking justice. The case's complexity is rooted in the handling of critical forensic evidence and the shifting focus on potential suspects.

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The Tumultuous Journey of the DNA Evidence

DNA evidence was collected from the crime scene, a crucial element in any modern homicide investigation. Over the years, this evidence has led to several developments, though none have resulted in an arrest or conviction.

• Semen and Blood: DNA from both semen and blood was secured at the scene, offering a direct link to the perpetrator.
• Initial Suspect Cleared: At one point, in 2019, DNA evidence led to a possible suspect. However, further investigation by the Tulsa Police Department Homicide Unit determined that the subject was ultimately not involved in Phillips's death, clearing the individual and leaving the case unsolved. This development was a significant setback, suggesting the DNA initially thought to belong to the killer was from another source, highlighting the difficulties in the forensic investigation.
• Allegations of Mishandling: Some sources, including true crime community discussions, have alleged that law enforcement "butchered the investigation badly from the outset," particularly concerning the management of the DNA evidence over the years. The long delay in solving the case has fueled these concerns about the initial homicide investigation quality.

The question of how the suspect gained access to Brittany’s second-story apartment remains a key point of confusion for investigators. Her mother, Dr. Maggie Zingman, noted a trellis on the balcony in the days after the murder, which could suggest a possible entry point. This detail is a critical piece of the puzzle that the Tulsa Police Department continues to examine.

Dr. Maggie Zingman: The Caravan to Catch the Killer

The most enduring and current narrative surrounding the Brittany Phillips case is the extraordinary, two-decade-long campaign led by her mother, Dr. Maggie Zingman. Dr. Zingman has transformed her grief into a tireless, public-facing mission to secure justice for her daughter. Her efforts have been instrumental in keeping the Brittany Phillips murder in the public eye, even two decades later.

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A Mother's Relentless Crusade

Dr. Zingman’s advocacy is not limited to local efforts. She has crisscrossed the country, organizing what she calls the "Caravan to Catch the Killer". The goal of these caravans is to:

• Spread Awareness: She travels with photos of Brittany and details of the crime, ensuring the public does not forget the case.
• Pressure Authorities: By maintaining a high public profile, she keeps pressure on the Tulsa Police Homicide Unit and the state of Oklahoma to dedicate resources to the unresolved murder.
• Fundraise for DNA Testing: Dr. Zingman has actively raised money to pay for advanced, independent DNA testing and genealogical research, believing that new forensic technologies could finally identify the perpetrator.

Her work has been featured on numerous true crime podcasts and media outlets, including the podcast "Hell and Gone" and "Criminal Mischief," which delve into the haunting details of the case and her fight. This media attention has generated new tips and maintained the case’s status as a high-priority Oklahoma cold case.

The Current Status and Call for Information

Despite the passage of over 20 years, the murder of Brittany Phillips remains an active, unsolved case with the Tulsa Police Department. The 20th anniversary in September 2024 served as a poignant reminder that the killer is still at large. The case is a stark example of how challenging cold case investigations can be, even with DNA evidence.

The authorities and Dr. Zingman continue to appeal to the public for any information, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem. The belief is that someone in the Tulsa area knows something that could finally break the case wide open. The integration of forensic genealogy and other modern DNA techniques offers the most promising avenue for a breakthrough in the coming years.

The tragic story of Brittany Phillips is a powerful testament to the enduring hope for justice. Her mother’s unwavering dedication serves as an inspiration to families of other cold case victims, proving that a relentless fight can keep an investigation alive. Anyone with information about the murder of Brittany Phillips is strongly encouraged to call Tulsa Crime Stoppers at 918-596-COPS (2677) or email the Tulsa Police Homicide Unit.