Linda Neukum was seen leaving the Marion Hotel in downtown San Diego during the late evening hours of December 23, 1981. At approximately 11 p.m. a bystander found Neukum staggering out of an alley toward 300 Market Street. Neukum collapsed, telling the bystander she had been stabbed and her attacker was a white male. Neukum was rushed to the hospital but later died in surgery as a result of numerous stab wounds.

A possible suspect was seen running northbound on Second Street at the time the incident occurred. The suspect was described as a white male, medium build, 5'8" to 5'11" with dark short or collar length hair, wearing loose fitting dark clothing. The suspect is unknown and still at large.