UW–Madison Police Department

Four Charged for Numerous Campus Graffiti Incidents

  • Incident type: Graffiti
  • Location/address: UW-Madison Campus

The UW–Madison Police Department has identified and arrested four individuals in connection with a series of graffiti incidents that caused extensive damage across the UW–Madison campus over the past year and a half.

During court proceedings this week, the following individuals were formally charged by the Dane County District Attorney’s Office:

  • Zebulun Fazel, 24, Madison
    • Graffiti-felony (one count)
    • Graffiti-misdemeanor (six counts)
    • Disorderly conduct-misdemeanor (one count)
    • Criminal damage-misdemeanor (one count)
  • Genevieve Karamanski, 22, Madison
    • Graffiti-felony (one count)
    • Graffiti-misdemeanor (two counts)
    • Disorderly conduct-misdemeanor (one count)
  • Kareem Mayouf, 26, Madison
    • Graffiti-felony (one count)
    • Graffiti-misdemeanor (two counts)
  • William Wambles, 20, Madison
    • Graffiti-felony (one count)
    • Graffiti-misdemeanor (one count)

None of the individuals charged are currently affiliated with UW–Madison.

The charges follow a year-long investigation into their involvement in at least eight separate graffiti cases on campus. The incidents occurred on the Southwest Commuter Path, East Campus Mall, Bascom Hall, Library Mall, Witte Hall, and Camp Randall Stadium. The incidents at Library Mall and Bascom Hall on September 12, 2025, caused the most extensive damage.

The total cost of damage from these incidents is estimated to exceed $10,000.

As part of the investigation, UWPD executed a search warrant at the residence of some of the suspects last week. Evidence related to the graffiti incidents was recovered, along with two handguns and an AR-15.

Additional charges may be requested by UWPD as we continue investigating. Anyone with information about the incidents is urged to contact UWPD at 608-264-2677.

In addition, UWPD investigators are working closely with investigators from other neighboring police departments, as the suspects may be connected to several additional graffiti incidents off campus.

Media partners: download high-resolution photos here »