Two Roanoke women killed less than six months apart. Their unclothed bodies left about a mile from each other. Both strangled during or after sex. For almost a quarter-century, any connection between the slayings of Cynthia Denise McCray, a 21-year-old black woman dumped under an Interstate 581 overpass, and Audrey Anne West, a 33-year-old white […]
Unsolved Homicide
William Hess found guilty in Julius Schnoll slaying
William Hess is facing a lifetime prison sentence after being found guilty Thursday of first-degree premeditated murder and first-degree felony murder in the death of Julius Schnoll, a supermarket supervisor more than 30 years ago. Hess showed little emotion as the verdict was read. He said, “Right,” as deputies led him out of Oakland Circuit […]
Shawn K. Simmons
On December 7, 1995, between 6 and 7 pm, Shawn K. Simmons’ neighbour heard shouting next door. Considering that Mr. Simmons led a quiet life, the shouting was unusual. In fact, it was so unusual that it made her open the bi-fold door to the furnace area to hear what was being said in the […]
DNA does not solve 1984 murder of Vickie Long
DNA does not solve the 1984 murder of Vickie Long. Todd Campbell, who was arrested for her murder was acquitted. “During the investigation, DNA from the victim’s clothing was entered into CODIS – the Combined DNA Index System, which stores DNA profiles from convicted offenders, unsolved crimes and missing people. In October 2009, Campbell had to provide […]
The Cold Case of Robert Lawrence Tatman
On November 25, 1967, police found Robert Lawrence Tatman lying on his back in front of his own squad car, motor running, revolving lights still on, and the front door at the driver’s side open, near Interstate 57. His flashlight was lying on his left side. His hat was on the ground near the curb. He […]
The cold case of Betty Gene Hull
On Christmas Eve, 1991, Mrs. Betty Gene Hull (68) was found murdered. Whoever is responsible for her death was in a rage and the attack was personal. The attack may have started by knocking Mrs. Hull unconscious, possibly with a TV tray police found off its base and near the body. She had trauma to […]
The cold case of Eric Dennis Beasley
On Sunday December 21, 1986 at 00:14 a.m., Eric Beasley was pronounced dead at Burham Hospital. He died of multiple gun shot wounds. His body was found on Saturday December 20, 1986 around 23:45 p.m. on North Randolph Street, Champaign, IL.