Homicide victim was state epidemiologist

MADISON, Wis. — Relatives have identified a woman found slain in her Madison apartment as an epidemiologist who worked for the state Division of Public Health.

Thirty-one-year-old Jennifer Boyce was found dead Thursday morning. Police spokesman Joel DeSpain says her assailant broke into the apartment through a glass patio door, which was shattered.

Boyce’s stepmother, Dixie Boyce, tells the State Journal that her stepdaughter was due in court Friday to finalize a divorce from her husband. Police cordoned off the home of Boyce’s husband after searching it later Thursday.

Madison police have not said how the woman was killed.