Nebraska Teen Tragically Murdered a Week After Seeking Dance Date
On March 25, 1969, a tragic event unfolded in Wahoo, Nebraska, when 17-year-old Mary Kay Heese was reported missing after not returning from school. Hours later, authorities discovered her lifeless body on the roadside, revealing she had been brutally beaten and stabbed. Despite initial investigations, leads remained elusive for decades.
The Investigation Unraveled: A Long Wait for Justice
After thorough efforts to retrace her movements, investigators found that Mary Kay had been seen getting into a car with two men near her home. This crucial sighting, however, did not lead to immediate answers, and the case grew cold.
In 2015, a renewed investigation reignited hope for closure. Ted Green, a criminal investigator from the Saunders County Attorney’s Office, took charge of the inquiry. Through interviews and research, Green aimed to piece together Mary Kay’s story, examining her life leading up to the dance she had eagerly anticipated.
A Dance That Never Happened
- Mary Kay attended school in a strict household.
- She struggled with fitting in and wanted to attend the local Sadie Hawkins dance.
- A letter from Mary Kay revealed her attempts to invite her cousin to the dance a week before her death.
The letter highlights her innocence and desire for companionship, stating, “If we come over to get you on Friday the 28th or Saturday the 29th, will you go to the Sadie Hawkins dance with me?” This moment encapsulated her yearning for a regular teenage experience.
Identifying Suspects: Joseph Ambroz and Wayne Greaser
As the investigation unfolded, Green identified two names that repeatedly appeared in old case files: Joseph Ambroz and Wayne Greaser. Ambroz, then 22 years old, was known to local authorities and had a criminal background. He was suspected to have had previous interaction with Mary Kay, often spotted at the same establishments.
New Theories Emerge
Green theorized that Mary Kay, perhaps misreading the situation, may have perceived Ambroz as a harmless acquaintance. Unfortunately, this misconception led her into a perilous situation. It is believed that Ambroz and Greaser drove her to a remote location, where a tragic confrontation occurred.
A Shocking Arrest After Decades
In July 2025, more than five decades later, authorities arrested Joseph Ambroz for the murder of Mary Kay Heese. He ultimately entered a plea deal, pleading no contest to conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. He received a two-year prison sentence.
Wayne Greaser, who had passed away in 1977, was named as a co-conspirator. This outcome left many, particularly Mary Kay’s family, feeling that justice was not appropriately served.
Family’s Heartfelt Response
Mary Kay’s cousins expressed their dismay, feeling that the plea deal denied Mary Kay the chance to live her life. Mark Miller poignantly stated, “He got all these years to live, and Mary Kay never had the chance to live.”
The case of Mary Kay Heese serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring quest for justice and the profound impact of unresolved violence.
