On December 18, 1977, it was reported by The New York Times that 27 confirmed unsolved murders had taken place in and around the greater Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area. I think he killed the others to muddy intent because he knew he could be connected to 1-2 of the victims. Related: 8 Strange, Unsolved Crimes That Are Sure to Haunt You. The names of Brenda Lee Ritter, Deborah Capiola, Barbara Lewis, Mary Irene Gency, and Susan Rush were five that came up the most often. It was bad, Kohbergers former high school classmate Sara Healey told Fox News Digital on Friday. She never made it to a bar in Mifflinburg where she was to meet friends, according to a November 2018 account published on PennLive. The rash of murders drew national attention to the tri-state area. They usually kill only one person at a time unless they're targeting a family. Beautiful young girls have walls up and rightfully, even necessarily so. according to a story published on PennLive, Police Commissioner Thomas Carter told PennLive. The case remains under review by the Franklin County D.A., 9/19/99 Somerset County Cold Case Solved Kidnapping, SOLVED See below pic.twitter.com/ORTolB5CNq. A licensed gun dealer who usually sells two or three guns a month said be sold 20 in one week. Its one that sticks to me to this day. https://www.nytimes.com/1977/12/18/archives/series-of-murders-shocks-pittsburgh-27-unsolved-slayings-in-20.html. Eventually, the case would be closed and sit idle for years. COLD CASE - BARBARA ANN MANGUS - HOMICIDE 1974 - MIDDLE TAYLOR TOWNSHIP - CAMBRIA COUNTY - $5000 CASH REWARD! December 9, 2021 / 1:18 PM While the 1970s was an anxious, terror filled time for most of us, it has faded somewhat in memory as the years have gone by. Her body has yet to be found. Sunbury Police Chief Timothy S. Miller, left, speaks in May 2018 with a Milton officer outside the duplex in the 700 block of North Front Street of that borough where investigators were searching for the body of Barbara E. Miller. PITTSBURGH, Dec. 17In the past 20 months, there have been at least 27 unsolved murdersperhaps as many as 41 in suburbs and rural areas near here. I think you're right that many people are making a false assumption about this. In 1999, state police and other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies worked to find the suspect, but unfortunately, no leads were developed. Steven Johnson, 26, and Paula Wagner, 23, died as a result of that blaze. Her shoes were found farther away; so were a pocketbook and a school bag. Support PennLive. The Pennsylvania State Police, Troop M, Criminal Investigation Assessment Unit continue their investigation into the homicide of Richard Stewart Wimbish. Forensic labs and DNA detection technology has advanced to such a high degree that even one of the most elusive murderers of the 20th century, Joseph James DeAngelo, the Golden State Killer, was finally captured and imprisoned. He beat the mother and father and assaulted their 15-year-old daughter. She had been raped and killed by blows to the head. Anthony Voci, homicide supervisor for the Philadelphia District Attorneys office, credited new forensic technology and state police investigators. A sketch was created from a description given by one of the witnesses who said they saw a man running away, but a suspect has never been named, Simmers said. A standing cash reward of up to $20,000 is given for essential information leading to the arrest and conviction of a person or people who committed a murder in Philadelphia. He made his way to the hospital, where he discovered that the student, identified as Betsy Aardsma, had not only died from her injuries, but that her death was a homicide. (Aliquippa,Pa.) Surratt traveled to Florida where he was successfully detained on July 1st, 1978, after breaking into a home and brutalizing a family of three. She was 33 when she was shot and killed in May 2018. Gun sales soared, hardware stores couldnt keep locks on the shelves, teens traveled in packs for safety, and women were afraid to go out alone. On October 22, 1977, John Feeny, 17, was found shot to death in his van in a rural part of Findlay Township; his date, Ranee Gregor, 16, was abducted. For her family. Many true crime and horror enthusiasts are familiar with the major names in serial killer history. Debra Rodgers body was found in Tuscarora State Forest on April 24, 1983. Kohberger was arrested at his parents home in Albrightsville in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, early Friday more than 2,500 miles from where the students were found stabbed to death in Moscow, Idaho. While they were unsure if the same person committed these heinous crimes, it was logical to assume that there was some connection based on age and location. And she didnt entertain the boys who had crushes on her.. I also want to get the Early Bird Books newsletter featuring great deals on ebooks. need your help for this. She was transported to the student hospital on campus, where she was declared dead at 5:19 p.m. At the time, Mike Simmers was a young trooper with the Pennsylvania State Police working undercover on the Penn State campus while attending college classes. The body of Morgan Peters was found along the Pennsylvania Turnpike in the area of Metal Township in September 1972. Serial killers often pick random people & stalk them. She had been sexually assaulted and had also been strangled with the leg of her blue jeans. The rash of unsolved murders prompted the Allegheny County Commissioners to compel Sheriff Eugene Coon to return to his specialty of solving homicides. Even with two confirmed killers, Southwestern Pennsylvania continues to grieve the loss of the dozens of people who died during the 1970s at the hands of multiple killers who remain unknown. I also want to get Early Bird Books newsletter featuring book deals, recommendations, and giveaways. Ten day after that, on November 20, 1977, William and Nancy Adams of Fallston Borough, Beaver County, met a similar fate. The PA State Police Troop D - Beaver Station continue their investigation on a homicide that occurred on January 6, 1982. It was evident that Surratt was not done with his crimes, as he has a lengthy history with sexual assault and murder. It was covered in semen, Simmers said, but most samples appeared to be days old, or even older. Surratt had been in Ohio and Western Pennsylvania during the murder spree. Steven Johnson, 26, and Paula Wagner, 23, died as a result of that blaze. Surratt had only been out of prison for 8 months after serving an attempted rape charge in Virginia. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. William While Rachael DelTondo and Frank Catroppa were a couple, DelTondo was seen by police parked in this abandoned lot. Anyone can read what you share. Allegheny County has called on its sheriff, the former head of the city homicide squad, to take over the investigation. The Pennsylvania State Police, Troop M, Criminal Investigation Assessment Unit, continue their investigation of the homicide of Caralee LaLaine Pensyl. Just find it hard to believe that you can go from zero to a quad killing without some type of progression. When East Lampeter Police arrived, they saw Mirack clearly deceased, with obvious injuries to her face. Gregor was reported missing. Kohberger is being held without bond in Monroe County, Pa. The wound, which was one inch wide and three inches deep, hit her pulmonary artery. But in April 2015, Innocence Project attorneys convinced Cumberland County President Judge Edward E. Guido to vacate Smallwoods sentence and grant her a new trial. In each of the three recent cases, a man died of shotgun wounds and a woman was abducted; one of the women was later found beaten to death and the other two are still missing.. These gruesome murders epitomize the brutality of the killer. Name: Date: Victims: Location : A: Mumia ABU-JAMAL December 9, 1981: 1: Pennsylvania, USA : B : Orlando BAEZ: January 6, 1987: 1: Pennsylvania, USA: George Emil BANKS . Investigators went ahead with this comparison, and on May 14, 2018, Parabon informed them there was a significant match found in the database that appeared to be a relation to the killer. And at the time he lived? When people are angry, they make mistakes. Police were hesitant to reveal the little evidence they did have. according to a story from Kristen Johansen on kywnewsradio.com. At the time, Kohberger likely was a student at nearby DeSales University, where he graduated in 2022. Would think they are interviewing classmates from every one of his years in school, profs, etc. Investigators later learned Miracks roommate had left the home around 7 a.m., and Mirack was not heard from after that. In order to understand the full scope of these unsolved murders that took place in Pittsburgh, one must delve into several local newspapers from the city, various counties in the surrounding area, and different states. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. In fact, some of the incidents took place in Washington County, 23 miles south of the city, and Beaver County, approximately 30 miles north. An unsolved, undetermined, or unprosecuted crime, such as a homicide or missing person, can have compounding effects on the trauma endured. Are you a "motivated dater"? plans and enthusiasm A jury trial began on January 27, 1976 and ended on February 3, 1976, when a mistrial was declared, as the jury was unable to reach a verdict, the case summary states. Sunday marks 52 years and her killer has never been caught. She told "48 Hours," "That night, I knew it was him." Another friend said that Kohberger suddenly changed in his senior year of high school when he lost a significant amount of weight. DeKok, who was six years younger than Betsy, grew up in Betsys hometown of Holland, Michigan, and attended the same high school that she did. But I think he had some interaction with the victim/s, felt slighted/ rejected, got really angry & then did this. I cant really imagine a scenario in which one/more of them communicated with on more of a deep level than something this trivial. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Just one to name is the smiley face killer. Rogers was last seen on January 7, 1981 at approximately 12:45 AM in her home at the Littles Corners area located on State Hwy. At approximately 1820 hours, LEGGE made a phone call to a friend and was never heard from again. Mary Gency, 16, of North Charleroi, disappeared on February 13, 1977. Police Commissioner Thomas Carter told PennLive that one of his detectives is working with a county investigator to dig into the cold case. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. They told me the body had already been transported to the hospital on campus, Simmers said. However, no one was ever charged for her murder. CRIMEWATCH and the Eye Design are registered trademarks of CRIMEWATCH Technologies, Inc. 2023 CRIMEWATCH Technologies, Inc. Sadly, nearly five decades later, many of the murders are still unsolved. The interactions happened months ago, Serulneck noted. Had they existed in the 1970s, perhaps the deaths mentioned in this article could have been avoided. All remainder quiet for close to seven years. As part of this analysis, three age-enhanced pictures of the man were created at ages 25, 40 and 60. This dating app might be for you. The building after the fatal 1972 fire. If this is true, we still don't know how close in time his reaction was to the perceived rejection. Accused Idaho Killer Bryan Kohberger Repeatedly Messaged Debunked - New data shows 'InsideLooking' account is NOT Press J to jump to the feed. Sheldon has not been charged in the DelTondo case and his attorney Michael Santicola says he's not involved in her murder. At the time, it was speculated that there may have been 41 murders in total, but that number has yet to be confirmed or denied. Simmers told Dateline he was on case for months, thanks to his knowledge of the campus and ability to locate and bring in a student for questioning. In December 2000, David Kennedy, Cecil Township, was arrested for the murder of Deborah Capiola when DNA samples from him matched the evidence on Capiolas jeans. One of Kohbergers classmates at WSU told The Post Friday that he continued his studies after the murders and was even present during a class discussion on the quadruple homicide. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. I do think this was likely a crime a passion over a slight. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. David Smith was stabbed on the 3200 block of G Street on Wednesday, December 28, 2022. Troy Danner helped lift Harrisburg High School's 1987 team nearly to a state title. On the night Rachael DelTondo was murdered, she was out for ice cream with friends, who were also close with Sheldon Jeter. He was arrested without incident. There was definitely something off about him, like we couldnt tell exactly what it was. FACIAL RECOGNITION PERFORMED ON HUMAN REMAINS FOUND ON JANUARY 12, 2017 - WE NEED YOUR HELP! Richard Hyde, a 34-year-old elementary school principal, was killed by a shotgun blast in his Moon Township home. Smallwood was arrested after police received a report she had threatened Wagners boyfriend the afternoon before the fire. When people are angry, they make mistakes. The North East Police Department continue searching for 61-year-old Timothy Green of 57 West Main Street, in North East. CASH REWARD! In the most recent incident, Richard Hyde, a 34-year-old elementary school principal, was killed by a shotgun blast Dec. 3 in the kitchen of his ranch home in Moon Township, a suburb about 10 miles northwest of Pittsburgh. According to those records, the last contact she had with another person was made on March 27, 2012, Jenkins said, adding that it was a 14-second call to her husband. Sheldon Jeter Jr. was a member of the renowned high school football program in Aliquippa. Timothy Greens residence burnt down on the morning of December 30, 2016, as a result of a suspicious fire. The Hyde murders were the 26th and 27th in the area since March 1976. when police arrested 50-year-old Timothy David Nelson of Cumberland, Maryland. At the same time, Ted Bundy, Son of Sam David Berkowitz, and the Hillside Strangler were active criminals, which may explain why youve never heard of these less publicized crimes or names like Edward Surratt before. I remember when the Holland Evening Sentinel landed on our doorstep on November 29 of 1969 and saw her picture, he said. Raised in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, Surratt's preying field was a lovers lane in Findlay township. Jackson typically greeted people he knew, but he did not greet these two. CRIMEWATCH Technologies, affiliates and subsidiaries are in no way responsible for accuracy, timeliness, or relevancy of the information populating this site. In the briefing from the doctor, Simmers found out that Betsy had been stabbed once in her left breast. Serial killer is speculation unless and until additional victims are linked to him. On a warm July day in 1995, a fisherman cast his line into the waters of Brandywine Creek . Prosecutors Kelly Sekula and Heather Castellino claimed during the six-day trial that Carl Rodgers beat his wife, sliced her wrists to mimic a suicide and dumped her body in the woods. Miller reopened the investigation after he became chief in 2016. According to search warrants, he showed little emotion when told about Rachael's death. COLD CASE - Unidentified Jane Doe - Sugarloaf Township - Luzerne County - $5000 REWARD!! KALLINGER. Yes! September 20, 1977, is the date of yet another brutal murder of a Beaver Township couple. He may have gone on to become a serial killer if he had not been caught. It was all very strange. David Jenkins said last week, was preceded by a history of domestic incidents. Her body was found in March of 1979. There are so many people who worked this case, doing everything they can do, Simmers said. The officers placed David in their patrol vehicle and rushed him to Temple University Hospital . That also accounted for the lack of blood on aisle 51, the doctor had told Simmers, which was also confirmed by the autopsy a few days later. A few muted gasps could be heard, according to a story published on PennLive, when the jury foreman announced the verdict just before 5 p.m. in a few cases, that suspect has been found guilty and send to jail. His reward for that long-delayed admission was a life-plus-60-to-120-year prison term promptly imposed by Judge Dennis Reinaker. Brenda Ritter, 18, of North Strabane Township was raped and strangled on May 18, 1977. Pennsylvania has 401 open missing persons cases, the 10th most in the country. I think they need to look at burglary or peeping toms. Hap A. Seiders is escorted from his preliminary hearing to a police cruiser by law enforcement officials. Authorities speculate that she may have been secretly involved with an older man who committed the crime. When murders go unsolved, it's a public safety risk because violent offenders are likely to repeat, former Pennsylvania State Trooper Tom McAndrew said in the U.S. Department of Justice article The Crisis of Cold Cases. Defense attorney Geoffrey McInroy argued that Debra Rodgers, despondent about her work and home life, had committed suicide. When Surratt passed out after getting drunk and high, the mother escaped and called the police. However, the majority remain unsolved. The former Patriot-News reporter decided to write a book about the case which focuses on Betsy and the investigation of the murder. During the 1970s, Southwestern Pennsylvania transformed from an unsuspecting steel driven area to a horrifying landscape that prompted a rise in firearm sales. Keibler added that he knew of Haefner but said that up until the time that I left the state police, Haefner was never considered in the 'suspect' category. Simmers confirmed to Dateline that Haefner has never been named a suspect. See the article in its original context from. He was born May ALIQUIPPA, Pa. A man linked to Rachael DelTondo, . Clinton County deputy sheriffs Thursday escort Loyd Groves to a cruiser after he was sentenced to 10 to 20 years in state prison for killing Katherine Dolan Heckel in 1991. In March 2017, the same was provided to the lab and a report was issued. Apparently he bought the knife in NJ from a guy off Facebook marketplace. I live near Stroudsburg. The pattern revealed by police after revealing the identities of the 18 victims was that they were predominantly young women that had been sexually assaulted as well as strangled. Hap Seiders charges include criminal homicide, tampering with or fabricating evidence and abuse of a corpse. The cold case was referred to the AGs office by Northumberland County President Judge Charles H. Saylor after the former lead investigator resigned. Rachael DelTondo was shot multiple times at the foot of her parents' driveway in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. On May 18, of North Charleroi, disappeared on February 13, 1977 Michael Santicola says 's! Credited new forensic technology and State police, Troop M, Criminal investigation Assessment Unit their. Close with sheldon Jeter Coon to return to his specialty of solving homicides could connected! X27 ; re targeting a family Morgan Peters was found in Tuscarora State Forest on April 24, 1983 was. 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