UWPD Still Seeks Tips in 1982 Donna Mraz Murder Case
The 1982 stabbing death of a 23-year-old university student remains unsolved over four decades later.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Violence
University of Wisconsin student Donna Mraz was stabbed to death on July 2, 1982, while walking home from her job. The murder occurred near Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, and no camera footage was available to assist investigators at the time.
Why it matters
The case remains an open investigation as the University of Wisconsin Police Department continues to pursue new information. Authorities seek to identify a perpetrator to provide resolution regarding the death of the 23-year-old.
The University of Wisconsin Police Department maintains an active investigation and processes incoming tips to resolve the 1982 homicide. Investigators have made the case a priority for follow-up as they continue to review historical evidence.
The players
Donna Mraz
She was a 23-year-old student at the University of Wisconsin who was killed in a stabbing incident.
University of Wisconsin Police Department
This law enforcement agency is responsible for investigating crimes on campus and maintains the active cold case file for this murder.
The details
Donna Mraz was walking home from a shift at the Bittersweet on State Street when she was attacked on a sidewalk behind Camp Randall Stadium. Without surveillance footage to provide leads, the University of Wisconsin Police Department relies on public tips and annual anniversary appeals to generate new evidence.
Timeline
July 2, 1982: Donna Mraz was attacked and stabbed.
1982: Police activated a major crime unit to investigate the incident.
Legal Context
The active pursuit of this 42-year-old case demonstrates how cold case units utilize modern investigative persistence to review crimes that occurred before the widespread adoption of digital surveillance. This process follows the standards set by the 1982 activation of the university major crime unit to ensure historical files remain actionable.
Residents and witnesses are encouraged to contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department at 608-265-2345 or Madison Area Crime Stoppers at 608-266-6014 with any information. Providing these tips is the primary method for the public to assist in the ongoing search for justice.
The takeaway
The passage of four decades has not closed the investigation into the death of Donna Mraz. Authorities emphasize that even small details or long-held memories can be vital to solving historical cases.
Further reading
For additional context on local investigations, read more in our Violence section.
More information
Submit information securely through the anonymous crime tip submission portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wmtv15news.
