Forty-three years ago today, in the early morning hours of July 2, 1982, just days before the July 4th holiday, 23-year-old Donna Mraz was viciously murdered while walking home from work. The UW student was heading home from her shift at The Bittersweet restaurant on State Street – while walking on a sidewalk behind Camp Randall Stadium, she was stabbed repeatedly by an unknown offender with an unknown motivation.
First responders were called to the scene within minutes, but were unable to save Donna. Her death left behind grieving family and friends who have been without answers for more than four decades. UWPD has not forgotten about Donna or her family, and today we are asking for the community’s help in finding answers for those Donna left behind.
Over the years, we have continued to work with our state and federal law enforcement partners to utilize all available resources to understand the circumstances of Donna’s death. UWPD investigators have worked diligently to follow up on every tip received and have investigated all possible scenarios. For those who have already assisted in this investigation: thank you.
We know there are others whom we have not yet spoken to about Donna. Sometimes people have information but don’t come forward because they feel it may not be important. Regardless of how insignificant you think your information might be – or if you think we are already aware of it – we ask that you please contact us to share what you know.
Additionally, people may have been hesitant to share information due to close relationships with those who may have been involved, or out of concern for their own safety or reputation. Relationships and loyalties can change, as do people and their perspectives. No matter the circumstances, it is not too late to come forward and help give Donna’s family and friends the answers they deserve.
If you have any information about this case, please contact the UWPD Tip Line at 608-265-2345 or email crimetips@uwpd.wisc.edu. You may also share anonymous tips through our partners at Madison Area Crime Stoppers at 608-266-6014 or www.p3tips.com.