Former MSSU softball player killed

Aug. 18, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Teri (Mathis) Zenner fatally stabbed in Overland Park, Kan.

A former Missouri Southern State University student-athlete was fatally stabbed on Tuesday in Overland Park, Kan., the Kansas City Star reported on Wednesday.

The body of Teri (Mathis) Zenner, who played softball at MSSU from 1996-99, was discovered in a home on 105th Street in Overland Park, the Star reported. A 17-year-old Overland Park boy, Andrew Ramey Ellmaker, was charged today with first-degree murder in the juvenile division of Johnson County District Court in connection with Zenner’s death.

“Teri was a positive influence,” said Zenner’s former softball coach at MSSU, Pat Lipira. “She was upbeat and always smiling. She was the kind of player you wanted on a team. Very seldom would you see her without a smile on her face.

“She was still a supporter of us here. She made it back down here last spring and probably would’ve come back again for our tournament this coming spring.”

Zenner, a native of Olathe, Kan., graduated from Missouri Southern with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1999. Lipira said Zenner and her husband, Matt, were married this past May. She was working toward her master’s degree.

As a social worker in the Kansas City area, Zenner dealt with troubled youth and apparently visited the Ellmaker home on Tuesday when the stabbing occurred. Ellmaker is also charged with aggravated battery. His mother received stab wounds and was being treated for what were described as non life-threatening injuries.

Zenner, who was an academic all-conference performer and an MIAA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll selection during her career, saw limited action as a pitcher and first baseman with the Lions. She appeared in 19 games over her career as a pitcher, posting a 7-7 record and a 1.38 ERA. Current MSSU head softball coach Jennifer Jimerson played with Zenner on the 1996-98 squads.

Visitation for Zenner will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday (Aug. 20) at McGilley & Frye Funeral Home in Olathe, Kan. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Westside Family Church in Shawnee, Kan.

Flowers are to be sent to Mike Zenner, 14914 W. 84th St., Lenexa, KS, 66215.


			Aug. 18, 2004 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Former MSSU softball player killed Teri (Mathis) Zenner fatally stabbed in Overland Park, Kan. A former Missouri Southern State University student-athlete was fatally stabbed on Tuesday in Overland Park, Kan., the Kansas City Star reported on Wednesday. The body of Teri (Mathis) Zenner, who played softball at MSSU from 1996-99, was discovered in a home on 105th Street in Overland Park, the Star reported. A 17-year-old Overland Park boy, Andrew Ramey Ellmaker, was charged today with first-degree murder in the juvenile division of Johnson County District Court in connection with Zenner’s death. “Teri was a positive influence,” said Zenner’s former softball coach at MSSU, Pat Lipira. “She was upbeat and always smiling. She was the kind of player you wanted on a team. Very seldom would you see her without a smile on her face. “She was still a supporter of us here. She made it back down here last spring and probably would’ve come back again for our tournament this coming spring.” Zenner, a native of Olathe, Kan., graduated from Missouri Southern with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1999. Lipira said Zenner and her husband, Matt, were married this past May. She was working toward her master’s degree. As a social worker in the Kansas City area, Zenner dealt with troubled youth and apparently visited the Ellmaker home on Tuesday when the stabbing occurred. Ellmaker is also charged with aggravated battery. His mother received stab wounds and was being treated for what were described as non life-threatening injuries. Zenner, who was an academic all-conference performer and an MIAA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll selection during her career, saw limited action as a pitcher and first baseman with the Lions. She appeared in 19 games over her career as a pitcher, posting a 7-7 record and a 1.38 ERA. Current MSSU head softball coach Jennifer Jimerson played with Zenner on the 1996-98 squads. Visitation for Zenner will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday (Aug. 20) at McGilley & Frye Funeral Home in Olathe, Kan. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Westside Family Church in Shawnee, Kan. Flowers are to be sent to Mike Zenner, 14914 W. 84th St., Lenexa, KS, 66215.

	Teri (Mathis) Zenner