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Innocent Woman Fatally Stabbed Outside Universal Studios

Woman stabbed outside Universal Studios Hollywood
Credit: Universal Studios Hollywood

Right in the heart of Hollywood, guests can get an up close and personal look at a real working film lot when they visit Universal Studios Hollywood. And the Universal Studio Tour is just one of the amazing parts of Universal Hollywood.

Guests can also zip around Hogwarts on an enchanted bench, become a minion, travel through the world of Jurassic Park, and even race through Bowser’s Castle in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. There is also a ton of amazing food, drinks, and merchandise.

Universal Studios Hollywood is a small theme park paradise in the middle of a city.

Guests stuck on Harry Potter ride Universal Studios Hollywood

Credit: Universal

Related: NEW: Wizarding World Offering Coming to Universal Studios

Sadly, that paradise was shattered early in the morning of April 22.

According to police reports, Mirna Soza Arauz was preparing to exit the LA metro outside Universal Studios when she was suddenly stabbed in the neck. At first, police believed that Arauz was stabbed as she was attempting to get off the train, but security camera footage revealed that it actually happened on the train.

Super Nintendo World Universal Studios Hollywood

Credit: Universal

Emergency responders quickly got the mother of three and grandmother of seven to a local hospital, but tragically, she did not make it.

Police quickly began investigating and, not long after, arrested 45-year-old Elliot Tramel Nowden. Nowden was transported to the local jail and booked on suspicion of murder charges. Nowden had fled the scene, but matched the description given to the police by numerous bystanders who witnessed the shocking murder.

LAPD News: Woman Killed on Metro Train in North Hollywood

Related: Guests Sue Universal After Getting Stuck on Popular Ride

At this time, there is no known connection between Mrs. Arauz and her alleged killer. The Universal City stabbing appears to be a crime of opportunity, with Mr. Nowden stealing Mrs. Arauz’s purse after he stabbed her.

After some investigation, it was revealed that, in 2019, Nowden had actually been convicted of assault with a deadly weapon while he was already on probation for attacking another person on the Los Angeles metro. He was sentenced to four years in prison.

minions cafe

Credit: Universal Studios Hollywood

Los Angeles Police Department investigators also believe that Mr. Nowden may have attacked other people, who did not report the incident. They are encouraging anyone with information about this crime, or any other crimes Nowden may have committed, to contact the Operations Valley Bureau Homicide Detectives at (818) 374-9550.

Anyone with information can also call the Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers hotline at (800) 222-TIPS.

The family of Mrs. Arauz has set up a GoFundMe so they can have her body transported back to Nicaragua and buried in the home country she loved so much.

We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Mrs. Arauz and wish them peace during this tragic time. 

About Krysten Swensen

A born and bred New England girl living the Disney life in Southern California. I love to read, to watch The Golden Girls, and love everything to do with Disney and Universal. I also love to share daily doses of Disney on my Disney Instagram @BrazzleDazzleDisney!