Female University of Wisconsin student, 20, left with life-threatening injuries in alleyway suffered a broken jaw after being severely beaten and sexually assaulted by a stranger
University of Wisconsin female student, 20, left with life-threatening injuries in an alley, suffered a broken jaw after being severely beaten and sexually assaulted by a stranger
- Police are warning students and locals not to walk alone in the area
- Authorities have not yet made an arrest following Sunday’s violent attack
- The 20-year-old student was taken to hospital in a life-threatening condition
Police have launched an investigation after a University of Wisconsin senior was left with a broken jaw and serious life-threatening injuries in an early morning attack.
The 20-year-old woman was found at 3:20 a.m. Sunday between two homes in Madison, Wisconsin. Police said her condition is still critical.
Authorities have launched a manhunt for her “attacker or assailants” in response to the violent incident, and investigators are asking anyone with video footage of the area to come forward.
Investigators are stepping up patrols in the area because of the incident, but no arrests have yet been made.
Friends claimed she was strangled, beaten and sexually assaulted by the random assailant, leaving her with a broken jaw, according to WISN-12.
Police say they will ‘leave no stone unturned’ in the investigation that left the woman, 20, in critical condition
The university sent an email about the incident, warning students to remain “vigilant” and “remain aware of their safety and surroundings.”
Officers were called early Sunday morning by a neighbor of the 500 block of West Wilson Street because fellow students were “terrified” of a repeat attack.
Neighbors claim the young woman was walking down the street before being forced into an alleyway between two homes before a homeowner heard her calling for help.
At a press conference, Madison Police Assistant Chief Paige Valenta confirmed that they had gathered DNA evidence at the scene, adding that they had engaged multiple resources to investigate the incident.
She said: ‘My heart goes out to the victim and her family.
“We have reached out to our partners in the Madison area, including the UW Police Department, to ensure they have support as they try to confront this horrific crime.
“I want to assure the victim, the family and our community that the police will make every effort to hold accountable the person or persons who perpetrated this violent attack.
‘This research is currently in the preliminary phase. We enlisted many Madison police personnel this holiday weekend to conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation.
Officers were called early Sunday morning by a neighbor of the 500 block of West Wilson Street because fellow students were “terrified” of a repeat attack.
Police Chief Shon Barnes added: ‘I have authorized a full range of police resources to bring this person or persons to justice’
“The Madison Police Department will pursue any leads in this investigation to hold the perpetrator accountable in our criminal justice system. Until then, everyone must be alert and proactive with regard to their own safety.’
Officers are urging locals not to walk alone in the area, especially at night, and to let friends know when you leave and arrive safely at a location.
Student Abby Lokai said, ‘I’m usually pretty careful, especially at night, but definitely tend to hold my keys a bit tighter. Usually there are always other people walking with me. I think that’s for the best. Travel in groups,’
Madison police did not immediately respond to a DailyMail.com request for an update on the case or the victim’s condition.
Police Chief Shon Barnes added: “I have authorized a full range of police resources to bring this person or persons to justice.”
Video and information can be shared by contacting the Madison Police Department’s non-emergency line at 608-255-2345 or Madison Area Crime Stoppers at 608-266-6014.
Information may also be shared anonymously through Crime Stoppers at p3tips.com.