At a Glance
- Suzanne Jovin was a Yale senior who was murdered on December 4, 1998.
- Her body was found 8 miles away, stabbed 17 times in the head and neck.
- A $150,000 reward is offered for information leading to her killer.
- Why it matters: The case remains the only unsolved homicide in New Haven from 1998.
Suzanne Jovin, a 21-year-old Yale University senior, was murdered on the night of a holiday pizza party she hosted for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Nearly 30 years later, the case remains unsolved and a reward is still on offer.
The Holiday Party and the Tragic Night
On December 4, 1998, Jovin, the director of Yale’s Best Buddies chapter, organized a Christmas-themed pizza party at Trinity Lutheran Church on Orange Street. The event, aimed at pairing students with adults with IDD, drew a small crowd of friends and volunteers.
After the festivities, Jovin drove participants home in a university-borrowed station wagon. At about 9:25 p.m., she met classmate Peter Stein on Old Campus, telling him she would head home to her apartment on Park Street. She did not mention any other plans.
Shortly after, a student who had attended a hockey game reported seeing Jovin walking along College Street toward Elm Street. By 9:58 p.m., she was found lying on the sidewalk, bleeding profusely.
The Investigation and Unsolved Status
Police found Jovin’s body on the corner of East Rock and Edgehill roads, 8 miles from the church. She had been stabbed 17 times in the head and neck and was pronounced dead at Yale-New Haven Hospital at 10:26 p.m.
The New Haven Police Department launched a thorough investigation but never identified a suspect. The case remains the only unsolved homicide in the city from 1998.
On the anniversary of her death, December 4, 2025, retired sergeant and detective Ed Kendall visited the spot where Jovin was found. He has been urging anyone with information to come forward.
> “We’re really interested in anybody in the neighborhood, anyone who might have seen something at the University that has information that may help us to come forward,” said Kendall.
Kendall, who led the investigation, said he visits the site each year hoping to bring justice to Jovin, who was double-majoring in political science and international studies.
Annual Remembrance and Continued Efforts
On the anniversary, Kendall gathered with others for a moment of silence. He stood over the exact spot where Jovin’s body was discovered, reminding the community that her murder has not been forgotten.
“The loss of Suzanne – who was a loving daughter, sister, friend, classmate – was devastating,” Kendall said.
He also highlighted the broader context: in 1998, New Haven recorded 15 murders, all of which were solved. Jovin’s case is the sole exception.
> “Any clue, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, can help solve the case,” he added.
Reward and Call for Information
Authorities continue to offer a $150,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of Jovin’s killer. The reward consists of $50,000 from the state of Connecticut and $100,000 from Yale University.
Anyone with information is asked to call 1-866-623-8058 or email [email protected].
Context of 1998 Murders
| Date | Event | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| December 4, 1998 | Jovin’s murder | Unsolved |
| 1998 | 15 murders in New Haven | All solved |
| December 4, 2025 | Anniversary remembrance | Ongoing investigation |
The case underscores how a single unsolved murder can linger in a community’s memory for decades. Despite exhaustive efforts, the identity of the perpetrator remains unknown.
Key Takeaways
- Suzanne Jovin was a Yale senior murdered on December 4, 1998.
- Her body was found 8 miles away, stabbed 17 times.
- The case is the only unsolved homicide in New Haven from 1998.
- A $150,000 reward remains on offer.
- Retired detective Ed Kendall continues to seek information from the community.
The search for justice for Jovin is ongoing, and any new information could finally close a case that has haunted the city for nearly three decades.
