MADISON, Wis. (WFRV) – Forty-three years ago on July 2, 1982, 23-year-old Donna Mraz was viciously murdered while walking home from work in Madison.
The UW-Madison student had just finished her shift at The Bittersweet restaurant on State Street. As she walked on a sidewalk behind Camp Randall Stadium, she was stabbed several times by an unknown attacker with no apparent motive.
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First responders arrived on scene within minutes, but were unable to save Mraz. Her death left behind grieving family and friends—and decades later, authorities are still asking for help to find the person responsible.
Since 1982, the UW-Madison Police Department has continued working with state and federal partners to utilize all available resources in hopes of solving the case. Investigators have followed up on every tip and explored every possible scenario.
“We know there are others whom we have not yet spoken to about Donna,” stated the UW-Madison Police Department. “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.”
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Authorities acknowledged that people may have stayed silent over the years due to close relationships with potential suspects or concerns for personal safety or reputation. But they stressed that “relationships and loyalties can change,” and that it’s not too late to help bring closure.
Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact the UWPD Tip Line at 608-265-2345.
