North Carolina's most famous murders and true crime cases | Charlotte This aint my job. Their bodies were in the bathtub, and their home was in a state of disarray, The Charlotte Observer reported. June 25, 1989 James Holley, 20, clubbed to death. There were signs of trauma because her nose was broken and she had cuts and lacerations, but they were unable to determine if these were before or after death. On April 19, 1988, two armed assailants entered the Suncrest, Washington, home of Doyle Wheeler, a former officer from the San Diego Police Department. Only a few months after these three, two more women disappeared. The Chilling Disappearance of Brianna Maitland. Im so tired. While Joness death was initially believed to be a homicide, it was officially ruled a suicide two weeks later. There are not enough homicide detectives, not enough trained detectives, not enough forensic technicians to go to crime scenes, not enough laboratory capacities, Hargrove said. However, because the area is small and people know each other, people in the area knew who the body in the trash can was. He was known for rigidly enforcing Prohibition laws and being one of the few honest cops in the area. June 27, 1988 Eric Cobb, 30, stabbed. As a result, crucial evidence, including a bloody palm print on the back of Joness truck, was completely destroyed when the scene was hosed down. Curiously, Wileys friend never received this letter, and no copy of it was found. BAU suggested that the suspect may have started drinking heavily and may have quit their job. Unsubscribe at anytime. Aug. 7, 1993 James Williams, unknown age, unknown cause of death. Dec. 29, 2000 Unknown person, unknown age, unknown cause of death. Found inside the home were her two daughters, ages 4 and 18 months. Dec. 27, 1991 Steven Richie, 19, shot. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Lumberton Unsolved Murders - Killer Queens: A True Crime Podcast Weve had behavioral analysis unit working days. Nov. 20, 1990, David Mack, 39, shot Rising crime rates have become a central focus in major metropolitan areas including New York City, Philadelphia and Chicago. Community United Effort . To this day, there have been no leads and no suspects, but there have been a number of other missing and murdered women in Lumberton whos disappearances and deaths continue to be unsolved. On April 17th, 2017, Rhonda was supposed to have a court date to get visitation. This Caldwell County North Carolina Most Wanted List posts the top 50-100 fugitive criminals on the run. Nov. 16, 1995 Ledell McGougan, 38, shot. You have a very respectful way of discussing these cases. All three deaths were ruled to be suicides, even though there was no gun found at one of the scenes! Nov. 26, 1991 George H. Henry Sr., unknown age, shot. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Since crime was virtually nonexistent on Bald Head Island, there was fear that rumors about murder and drug activity might have a negative effect on the communitys property values. However, back in May 2017, before Megans body was found, Cynthia stopped showing up to any of her appointments. There was not enough physical evidence to link him to the other murders, but they did stop after he was taken into custody, so it is very likely that he was indeed the Edgecombe County Serial Killer. at her home on Aug. 6, 1989. Weve had analysts working this. The Watauga County Sheriffs Office alerted the Durham family about the findings in November. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons. was beaten he drowned in College Lake on Sept. 9, 1991. I am also a big true crime junkie so I am eager to hear more of your opinions on these cases. While driving on a country road, Godfrey encountered an unidentified diamond-shaped flying object. They have handed out thousands of flyers. July 18, 1997 Robbie Jacobs, unknown age, unknown cause of death. April 12, 1984 Daniel Callahan, unknown age, unknown cause of death. At Penns murder trial, his attorneys claimed that Jacobs had brutally beaten Penn and that the shooting was self-defense. date of the murder, the name of victim(s), their age and how they were killed. Two days later, his abandoned station wagon was found at Lakefront State Park in Cleveland. Since Schirmer had no memory of this missing time, he agreed to undergo hypnotic regression. We have many New Hampshire: The Connecticut River Valley Killer, Massachusetts: The New Bedford Highway Killer. When Coniff attempted to confront the burglars, he was shot to death. However, it remains a mystery who ordered the hit. Frederick Robert Klenner Jr. Frederick Rober Klenner Jr. was considered a mass murderer who killed several victims between 1984 and 1985. Aug. 10, 1996 Ruby Carter, 81, stabbed. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. When police spotted him in Greensboro in June 1985, they knew he was dangerous. Jamie founded Listverse due to an insatiable desire to share fascinating, obscure, and bizarre facts. Blandenboro Fire Poltergeist, Bladenboro, 1932 Good Reads Mrs. Charles Williamson was just an ordinary housewife until one day her dress unexplainably caught fire. John Skaggs, a retired homicide detective for the Los Angeles Police Department, told The Guardian a lack of experienced personnel is a contributing factor. The last confirmed sighting of him took place on July 28, 1985. Hill, 20 months, all four were beaten to death. Rhonda Jones, Megan Oxendine, and Christina Bennett were 3 women dealing with their own demons when each of them were found dead. Nov. 19, 1999 Albert Griffin, unknown age, shot. A search turned up no trace of him until Halloween, when Mayfords body was discovered on the edge of a rural cornfield near Cahokia Creek. ), As of April of 2021, there are still no suspects of solid leads, but reportedly they have some new evidence. Other women who were found dead before Christina, Rhonda, and Megan were never solved, and it was said that there was no evidence they were connected to these 3 murders. Brenda Melvin, 25, of 1410 Pamalee Mrs. Kennedyand her family had lived in the apartment complex for only three weeks. By the time of his trial, there was an overwhelming amount of evidence connecting Pittman to these killings, including that he hired Taraha Nicholson less than a week before she was found dead. Making Lumberton the most diverse city in North Carolina. William McKoy, 52, of 418-A Vanstory and Murchison Road on Jan. 14, 1991. Shelby, NC. On the morning of Wednesday, January 7, 1998 as she stood waiting for the school bus to pick her up, 5-year-old Brittany Locklear was abducted from outside her home on Grainey Road in Hoke County. The Oscars will air on ABC and can be streamed on ABC.com and the ABC app as well as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, AT&T TV or FuboTV. Darlene Tilley's unsolved murder is currently the oldest unsolved murder in North Carolina history. Her mom called her multiple times without getting an answer and by that night her calls were going straight to voicemail. July 17, 1972 Ethel Kinlaw and Rebecca Parker, unknown ages, unknown cause of We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. We are putting a lot of effort into finding out who placed them they are. I had to cremate my daughter. There is a growing disconnect in many major cities between police and the community they serve, especially in the African American communities in the aftermath of events like the murder of George Floyd, Hargrove said. Official website for the city of Charlotte, North Carolina. The caller spoke in hushed tones and identified herself as his mother-in-law, Virginia Durham. Last updated: May 11, 2009, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation2023, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. The purpose of the group is to raise awareness for the deaths of these 3 women, but also for all the other unsolved murders in Robeson County. Their deaths are listed with undetermined causes and havent been listed as homicide. At Megans autopsy, they found cocaine in her system along with nicotine, caffeine, and morphine. She never made it to her court date. In the autopsy report for Christina Bennett it reads: The grey blanket is disposed of at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner at the request of law enforcement.. Sheila Price said, I didnt get to bury my baby. June 30, 1990 Shelby Williams, 32, strangulation. Even though the suspects had extensive criminal records, they were quickly questioned and released. (NewsNation) The murder clearance rate hit an all-time low in 2020, and data analyzed by a nonprofit shows that trend continued last year. Gainor was also clutching a leather bag containing several items, including some custom-made silk shirts. July 31, 1989 Dexter Black man, 34, handgun. Upon autopsy for all three women it was determined that their causes of death were undetermined. None are currently classified as homicides. The medical examiner wrote in her report that an instrument was used, but made no guesses about what it could be. from a beating in his apartment at 913 Willow St. Ann Elizabeth Smith, 62, of Chase Street was killed by shots fired into her These murders are among NC's biggest unsolved mysteries. We are still putting forth the same amount of effort. Dec. 11, 1981 Brad William Smith, unknown age, unknown cause of death. Shortly thereafter, Joness body was located near the lighthouse. Megan Oxendines sister, Shirlyn Whitaker expressed the frustration that the families felt finding this out, Evidence sat on that shelf for 21 months. Gregory Lockamy, 34, of Branson Street died from smoke inhalation in a fire If you have information about this case, call the Sampson County Sheriff's Office (910) 592-4141. Exactly what happened next is unknown to this day. He succumbed to his wounds six days later. She has the name Chris tattooed on her chest. Shes just quiet. Her mom called her multiple times without getting an answer and by that night her calls were going straight to voicemail. Mayfords service revolver was missing, and the investigation into his disappearance only raised more questions than it answered. On March 19, 2004, Brianna Maitland closed out her shift at the Black Lantern Inn around 11:20 P.M. and climbed into her car. In the interviews, Davis, who is serving a life sentence for crimes in Georgia, implicated Birt, Gaddis and Reed, saying they were part of ahired hit in the North Carolina mountains. He never returned home and was found dead at a service area near the Markham Courthouse. In Lumberton, 35.1% of their 22,000 residents live below the poverty line (the nations is 31%) and the countys median household income is $31,000 (the national median is $59,000). In 1927, Elwood Gainor worked as a police lieutenant in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. $20,000 REWARD for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the murder of Brittany Lynn Locklear. On top of all this, the sheriffs department has a history of corruption. One focus of the investigation was the description of the vehicle driven by the suspect. Photos of Deborah Gail Nunnery in 1980s including with her 4-year-old son who was also tragically murderedlater in his life. Police officers make their living fighting crime and solving mysteries, but what happens when the shoe is on the other foot? After Mayford went missing, his wallet and some of his clothing were found inside a local shoe store. May 18, 1987 Human fetus, unknown age, unknown cause of death. These items were eventually traced to Joe Deano, a New York mobster who was heavily involved in bootlegging. Fugitive in rape case found in Illinois - Kait8.com Her body was found beneath a bridge on Russell Witnesses identified the mosques school dean, Louis 17X Dupree, as Cardillos shooter, but due to political pressure, it would be two years before Dupree was indicted for murder. Missing. The foursome were part ofthe Georgia-based Dixie Mafia, a loosely organized network believed to have engaged in dozens of violent crimes in Georgia and across the Southeast in the 1960s and the 1970s, officials said. death. Street near Short Street on June 30. Over the years, there have been reported sightings of August Mayfords ghost on the street corner where he was last seen. She had been struggling with a heroin addiction and, like the other women, was finally trying to get clean. I know that they sacrificed many days and weekends in order to work on solving this case since 1972, she said, noting that some officers continued to work on the case even in retirement. Unsolved Murders in Fayetteville and Cumberland County, North Carolina However, the police dont think that Abbys disappearance is linked to Christina, Rhonda, and Megan because, As of April of 2021, there are still no suspects of solid leads, but reportedly they have some new evidence. They were discovered by thecouples son-in-lawafter he and his wife went to check on them with the help of a neighbor. The most notorious unsolved crime in every state - Insider Edit Edit source History Talk (0) Trending pages. June 29, 2002 Jennifer Wright, 32, strangled. March 3, 1999 Baby Michael, newborn, thrown from a car. IE 11 is not supported. The killings are listed according to the She was jumped by about 5 people who cut her hair and beat her up. The most intriguing clue, however, came from Wileys office typewriter. Adamskis official cause of death was heart failure, but he had disappeared without explanation for five days, and since his whereabouts were never accounted for, there was speculation that Adamski was abducted by aliens. I think you were able to truly portray your interest in the topic through your blog and were cognizant of the sentiments attached to such like stories. A 9 year old leaves her house in the middle of the night and disappeared. Case #: 1989-241089 Victim: Eugene W. Pierce June 10, 1979 Earnest Garrett, unknown age, unknown cause of death. Nov. 3, 2001 Antwone Jones, 23, shot. According to family members, Deborah had asthma but would often walk for exercise in the areas of her relatives' homes. Dec. 24, 1990, Ann Shanholtz, 65, strangled. According to her family, she was a smart and spunky free spirit who enjoyed having fun and spending time with loved ones. Whether this is labeled a homicide. In 1988, Captain Michael OMara was nearing the end of a highly decorated career with the Cook County Sheriffs Police Department in Chicago. (Source: Fayetteville Observer). Shortly after Godfreys alien encounter, he had sex with his wife for the first time in years. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. When more cops arrived at the scene, a fight broke out in the reception area, and most of the officers were locked outside. new content, we kindly appreciate any donation you can give to help Duprees first trial ended in a hung jury, and he was acquitted the second time around. March 21, 1976 Willie Kinlaw, unknown age, unknown cause of death. If he did manage to successfully orchestrate his own disappearance, he has managed to stay off the radar for 30 years. A lot of strange events surrounded Godfreys encounter. Curiously, the closet had previously been searched on two separate occasions, and the keys were not there. Aug. 6, 1989 Rosa McMillian, in her 80s, hands. The country is seeing a continued decline in cleared cases compared to previous decades when the rate was closer to 70%. June 6, 1987 Eric Martineves, unknown age, unknown cause of death. However, Ralstin passed away several months later at the age of 90, so the murder of George Coniff officially remains unsolved. In 1985, Jacobs and his partner, Thomas Riggs, had pulled over an African-American man named Sagon Penn for a traffic violation, leading to an altercation in which Penn shot Riggs to death and wounded Jacobs. She took, DISCOVERY: John Doe was discovered on May 13, 1977 after a wildlife officer found the burlap sac hed been wrapped in snagged on the banks of the Brunswick River, just south of the US Route 74 and US Route 76 bridge, in Leland, Brunswick County, North Carolina. Cynthia has black/brown hair and brown eyes and is part of the Lumbee tribe. COPYRIGHT: Mrs. Kennedy had been beaten and stabbed multiple times. Faith Hedgepeth Murder. She had been last seen at her parents' residence earlierthat Sunday morning. Precision Collision Electric Shop on Goins Drive, died at Cape Fear Valley No part of this may be reproduced or If you have information about this caseor any unsolved case in North Carolina, please contact the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation,(800) 334-3000. If you have information about this case or any unsolved case in North Carolina, please contact the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, (800) 334-3000. NCBI and the Lumberton police department have spent thousands of hours on these cases and said they have conducted more than 500 interviews and knocked on more than 800 doors during door-to-door canvassing. ( NewsNation) The murder clearance rate hit an all-time low in 2020, and data analyzed by a nonprofit shows that trend continued last year. Whodunnit? These murders are among NC's biggest unsolved mysteries. When his body was found, he still had his main set of keys in his pocket. Shortly thereafter, two sets of keys were found inside the stores closet. The case got progressively stranger, as three separate investigators were killed by gunshot wounds to the head. Lenoir Caldwell County North Carolina Warrants & Most Wanted On April 18, 2017, at around 9:30 am officers in Lumberton, North Carolina responded to a call of a suspicious odor in an abandoned house at 505 Peachtree St. We respect your privacy. March 2, 1981 Janice Murphy Perry, unknown age, unknown cause of death. plans and enthusiasm Where Pinehurst is the mecca of golf (where the PGA has been held and is home to the number 2 golf course) with a high population of wealthier households of doctors and other specialists, Lumbertons population is much more disadvantaged. This is not even where the circumstances lined up, though, because he also lived in a trailer home in 2006 that was extremely close to the wooded area where Christine Boones corpse was found in 2010. Source: Fayetteville Police Department. Seven Infamous Bone-Chilling Unsolved Mysteries in NC - OnlyInYourState Kristin Bennett, Lumberton Police told the medical examiner to discard of the blanket she was wrapped inI didnt even finish high school, but I have enough common sense to think, when doing a murder investigation, that may have evidence.. The police also received heavy criticism for not investigating the crime scene properly. Oct. 24, 1997 Deborah Jones, 37, shot. This report was never properly followed up, but after reopening the investigation and interviewing some witnesses, Bamonte came to believe that this allegation might be true. North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation2023, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. Maybe the road was used by several unconnected killers to dispose of the evidence of their crimes. However that information might just be the missing link that family members have been waiting for years that can solve their loved one's case and bring closure to their family. Bamonte uncovered an old report in which an informant claimed that a corrupt Spokane police detective named Clyde Ralstin was involved in Coniffs murder. Skip main navigation-A A A + Our Organization . Nearly half of US murders going unsolved, data show Aug. 23, 1998 William Poe, unknown age, unknown cause of death. shot to death in the front seat of a car on Caledonia Circle off McLamb Drive Inside the cabinet was a nude and decomposing body that had been covered by a blanket. You hear every cop saying, We cant do better because they dont cooperate,' Skaggs said, But these young cops dont know how to talk to people and get them to cooperate.. Sept. 27, 1987 Rebecca Thompson, 19, handgun. Cold Case Homicides | Greensboro, NC Medical Center after a man walked into his business on July 31, 1989, and shot Afterward, the aliens returned Schirmer to his car and erased all memory of his experience on the spacecraft, though they did leave a red welt on his neck. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Investigators performed an analysis on the typewriters ribbon and discovered that Wiley had typed a letter to a friend, in which he claimed that he was tired of his life and wanted to disappear. Nov. 17, 1977 James Shifflett, unknown age, unknown cause of death. Oct. 13, 1991 David Bracy, 47, shot. Ten victims were recovered at the burial site, all of which were African American women who were involved in prostitution and drug abuse. Because its obvious they didnt place themselves there. In the summer, when there's no football or basketball, I like to read about unsolved NC murders. The most likely theory was that Mayford interrupted a burglary attempt at the store and was subsequently abducted and murdered. A flashlight was also found near OMaras body, leading to speculation that he walked away from his car to investigate something before he was murdered. July 24, 2003 Walter Jones, 54, shot. The BAU said that this suspect may have left the community after the murders and if they didnt leave they likely changed their behavior or MO. B Street on Oct. 28, 1985. If you have information about this case, call the Kernersville Police Department (336) 996-3177. You can also call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 919-683-1200. She grew up in Pembroke only 12 miles from Lumberton with her 2 sisters. Sept. 28, 1987 Joshua Peoples, unknown age, unknown cause of death. July 9, 1974 Anthony King, unknown age, unknown cause of death. Updated: Feb 28, 2023 / 09:41 PM EST. Sept. 6, 1980 Lee Shumway, 22, Robyn Shumway, 18, Shari Hill, 17, Shaun Michael News | fayobserver.com, Family of Woman Found Dead in Lumberton 4 Years Ago Takes Up Cause of all Missing and Murdered in the City | insideedition.com, Families of women whose bodies found 3 years ago plead for help | robesonian.com, FBI, police search for clues in deaths of 3 Lumberton women 4 years later; $40K reward offered | wbtw.com, Lumberton, North Carolina, Where 3 Women Mysteriously Died Last Year, Has Sordid History of Violence | insideedition.com, Pinehurst, NC Crime Report, 2021 | homesnacks.com, Most Dangerous Cities in NC | newsovserver.com, Jensen & Holes | The Murder Squad Podcast. She hasnt been seen or heard from since and her body has never been found. Another possible suspect was a former sheriffs officer who had recently been suspended by OMara for alcohol-related problems, but he was never interviewed and died six months later. July 17, 1994 Kenneth Cheatum, unknown age, unknown cause of death. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. He had been shot. Sept. 18, 1987 Learies Carter, unknown age, unknown cause of death. Killing of Sherry Hart - Wikipedia