Episode 31: Deadly Obsession – The Murder of Alisha Bromfield

In our latest episode of Super SUS, we delve into the heart-wrenching story of Alisha Bromfield, a young woman whose promising life was brutally cut short. This case, unfolding between Illinois and Wisconsin, not only sheds light on the devastating events leading to Alisha's tragic murder but also highlights systemic failures and the tenacity of a grieving mother determined to bring about change.

Our story begins with Alisha Bromfield, a vibrant 21-year-old from Plainfield, Illinois. She was on the verge of graduating with a degree in forensic psychology and criminal justice, while also preparing to welcome her baby daughter, Ava Lucille, into the world. Alisha worked at Home Depot's Garden Centers, a job she cherished and couldn't afford to lose, even as she faced harassment from her boss, Brian Cooper.

Brian Cooper, 36 at the time, was not just any boss; he was a predator abusing his position of power. He harassed Alisha, among others, with unwanted advances and threats. His obsession reached a boiling point when he manipulated Alisha into attending his sister's wedding as his "date," threatening her job when she refused. Forced by circumstances, Alisha reluctantly agreed, not knowing it would be a fateful decision.

The wedding weekend in Door County, Wisconsin, turned tragic. Brian's obsession and alcoholism culminated in a heinous act of violence. After the wedding, Alisha was found murdered in their hotel room, and the details of her death were nothing short of horrific. Brian confessed to the crime, claiming intoxication—a defense that shockingly led to a hung jury at his first trial.

Persistent and resilient, Alisha's mother, Sherry Anicich, refused to let her daughter's death be in vain. She fought tirelessly to overhaul loopholes in the legal system, which allowed Brian's intoxication defense. Her efforts paid off when Wisconsin finally removed voluntary intoxication as a legal defense in 2014. Beyond legal advocacy, Sherry established the Purple Project, providing support to single young mothers and those who have lost a child to murder, transforming her grief into a force for change.

This episode also details the failures of corporate responsibility. Despite multiple complaints about Brian's behavior, Home Depot and related companies continued to employ him, reflecting a gross negligence that allowed such a tragedy to occur.

Join us as we navigate through this disturbing yet crucial story of loss, resilience, and a mother's determination to seek justice for Alisha and Ava. The episode serves as a poignant reminder of individuals' power to drive change, even in the face of immense personal tragedy.