Oxford Eagle, Sunday, October 22, 2000
Columnist on the Verge of Stardom Laid to Rest
Writers Discuss What Could Have Been

by Alicia Armitage, Staff Reporter

Zoe Chase, local columnist and homicide victim, was laid to rest at Oxford Cemetery yesterday. Ms. Chase, whose body was found on County Road 2003 on October 15, 2000, is survived by her parents, Howard and Marion Neidelmen of Miami, FL. The funeral was attended by a large crowd, including many of Oxford's writing community, as well as Ms. Chase's colleagues from The Oxford Town Weekly magazine.

"It's just terrible," Steven Atwater said. Atwater founded the Oxford Writers Circle and knew Ms. Chase well. "She was on the verge of something big. She could have brought a lot more attention to Oxford's writers. And then something like this happens. It's horrible."

Yoknapatawpha Sheriff's Department is investigating the murder and has not yet released many details. Many in attendance offered their help in solving the murder investigation. Choking back tears, Ms. Chase's longtime friend Dani Bonner said that she hoped the people of Oxford would band together and help solve the crime. "I know that all of us who were Zoe's friends want to help in any way we can. Hopefully, the rest of the town will also do whatever it can."

Other mourners in attendance included The Oxford Town Weekly editor Richard Bertuch, Nancy Bates and Ms. Chase's literary agent Kathy Silverman, both of New York, as well as Courtney Boatright, Ed Bonner, Chad Daniels, Debbie Fitzgerald, Beau Jenkins, Terry Maxwell, Allison Myers, Charles Ragland, Jack Swanson, and Matt Vaughn, all of Oxford. All members of the Oxford Writers Circle were also present.

After the internment, a reception was held at Ms. Chase's home.