UW–Madison Police Department

Homicide Investigation at UW Arboretum

  • Incident date: March 31, 2020, 12:00 am
  • Incident type: Death Investigation
  • Location/address: UW Arboretum

Update – 4/3/20, 11:30 a.m.

An arrest has been made in this case — view our most current release here: https://uwpd.wisc.edu/incident_reports/arrest-made-in-arboretum-double-homicide/

Update – 4/1/20, 4:30 p.m.

Today, our partners from the Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the two victims of the March 31 homicide in the UW Arboretum. Robin Carre, age 57, and Beth Potter, age 52 – both of Madison – were found in a ditch by a passerby who was jogging at approximately 6:30 a.m. Tuesday morning. Robin Carre was pronounced dead at the scene. Beth Potter was transported to a local hospital where she later died.

Since our initial response, UWPD officers and investigators have worked around the clock to canvas the neighborhood, follow-up on leads, and talk to individuals who may have information about the homicides.

At this point, UWPD investigators believe the incident was targeted and not a random act. We continue to follow leads and we encourage anyone with information to please step forward. Those with information can call Madison Area Crime Stoppers at (608) 266-6014 or submit a tip online at www.p3tips.com.

Initial Release – 3/31/20, 1:10 p.m.

The UW-Madison Police Department is currently on the scene of a homicide investigation at the UW Arboretum. At approximately 6:30 a.m., a passerby who was jogging in the Arboretum came across two individuals — and man and a woman — lying in a ditch. One was pronounced dead at the scene – the other was transported to a hospital and died a short time later.

At this time, we ask that you avoid the Arboretum — in particular, the Wingra Street entrance. If you have any information about this incident, please call Madison Area Crime Stoppers at (608) 266-6014 or at www.p3tips.com.

This incident is not related to an incident earlier today at University Hospital.