Crime Stoppers Cold Case: Murder of Mary O’Donnell

It was nearly 30 years ago when tragedy struck the O’Donnell family. Mary O’Donnell, a widow – who suffered from mental illness – was headed home after she left a fast food restaurant on July 28, 1988. She never arrived home.

O’Donnell was murdered, and after all these years her family still has no closure. Do you have any information? Police and Crime Stoppers are asking for your help.

She left the A&W restaurant at Lakewood and East Hastings Street just after midnight. O’Donnell was known to frequent that A&W and was well-known by staff.

Just a short while later, her body was found on the grounds of Templeton High School in East Vancouver.

Police say she was robbed and beaten to death.

O’Donnell would usually walk south on Templeton Street from East Hastings, and through the schoolyard to her home in the 2100-block of Adanac Street.

O’Donnell was living on her own, despite the challenges she faced with mental illness and the death of her husband. She was just trying to get home that night. Somebody out there knows something.

Help bring whoever is responsible for this heinous crime to justice. If you know anything, call police or if you wish to remain anonymous visit bccrimestoppers.com or call 1 800 222-8477.

READ MORE: Help Crime Stoppers solve more B.C. cold cases