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mocity

08-24-2005, 03:39 PM

I had a question and thought I might try this site. My step-sister and her boyfriend were murdered back in 1990. Today, August 23rd 2005, is the 15th anniversary of her death. We had a press conference today with the Houston Police Department and Crimestoppers. The case remains unsolved however there is a good DNA sample and someone sent a handwritten letter to HPD but that person has never come forward. The story is below.

My question is with regards to national media coverage. We want to try to get this story out to the news media on a national level. There has been alot of coverage locally but none nationally. Do you know where we can start? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

The article that follows is the last written article with regards to the case. It was written within the past year and published in the Houston Chronicle.

Hoping to reinvigorate their investigation of a 14-year-old homicide case, Houston police have released a handwritten note that may have come from the architect of two of the city's most gruesome slayings.

The letter, postmarked in Houston, was received in March 2001, more than 10 years after Cheryl Henry and Andy Atkinson were stabbed to death as they parked on a secluded cul-de-sac in west Harris County.

"It's the kind of case everyone remembers," Houston police Sgt. Billy Belk said. "It sticks in your mind."

In block letters, the note's sender told investigators, "If you want to know who killed C. Henry and A. Atkinson , it will cost $100,000." The note told investigators to reply in the classifieds section of the March 12, 2001, Houston Chronicle and warned, "a lawyer will be hired to make sure u play straight."

The note was answered, according to instructions. "We do want to know what you know about Henry /Atkinson ," the classified ad read. A number was given for the note-sender or a lawyer to contact investigators "with directions on playing straight."

Through the years, police had gotten calls whenever an anniversary or other publicity brings the case back to the public's attention.

The timing of the note, postmarked March 1, 2001, was odd, Belk said, in that it came so long after the slayings, and during a period when the case was getting no publicity. The most recent news story about the case, a 10-year retrospective, had been published Sept. 13, 2000.

Note suppressed

The possibilities the note offered were enticing to investigators sitting at yet another dead end in the case, and Belk said the note was never publicized.

"We kept pretty tight-lipped about it," he said, "to see if we got a response."

They never did.

Today, investigators say, it's a pretty sure bet that whoever sent the note does not intend to contact police again. Belk hopes that by releasing the contents of the note someone may recognize the handwriting, the language or some other scrap of information when it is published.

Cheryl Henry , 22, was home for the summer from classes at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches. Andy Atkinson , whose 22nd birthday was only days away, had just moved home after finishing college in North Carolina.

The two left on a date the evening of Aug. 21, 1990, along with Henry 's younger sister, Shane, and her escort. The sisters said their goodbyes when the couples left the Bayou Mama club near Westheimer and Gessner late that night.

Neither Henry nor Atkinson returned from their date; their families reported them missing early the next day. On the evening of Aug. 22, a Houston patrol officer spotted Atkinson 's car parked on Enclave Round, a then-undeveloped area off the 1300 block of Enclave Parkway that young people often used as a "lovers lane."

Blood in the car appeared fresh. When a computer check of the vehicle's license plate showed it belonged to a missing person, a tracking dog was called to search the nearby heavy woods.

The dog led police to Henry 's body about 200 yards away. Her clothes, found nearby, had been cut from her body, probably with the same knife used to slash her throat. Her hands were bound behind her with hemp rope. Her killer had tried to cover her body with boards from a rotting cedar fence.

A bunch of deflated balloons hung Dali-like over a tree limb near Henry 's body, having no apparent connection with her death but adding to the surreal quality of the grim scene.

Darkness halted the search for Atkinson . A Houston police officer was posted to stand watch until dawn, when searchers returned and quickly discovered the second body.

Atkinson was found about 100 yards from Henry . He was fully clothed, his hands tied behind him with similar rope. He had been seated with his back against a tree trunk before his throat was slashed. He still had his money and watch.

The young couple had evidently parked to neck, Belk said. The car's front seats were reclined, the engine had been turned off but the key left in the auxiliary position so the music would stay on. Henry 's shoes and bag were in the front floorboard.

Suspects cleared

In the first months, investigators chased hundreds of leads. Several potential suspects were identified.

Cheryl Henry 's killer had raped her, and left behind DNA. One by one, all the suspects were cleared through DNA comparisons.

Problems within HPD's DNA lab began unfolding in 2002 and ultimately resulted in the lab's closure and the retesting of hundreds of DNA samples, but Belk is confident in the work done on the DNA left by Henry 's killer.

That DNA was profiled at the DNA lab founded at Baylor College of Medicine by renowned researcher Dr. C. Thomas Caskey, Belk said. The sample was entered into the state's Combined DNA Indexing System, but a link was never made to any other crime.

The sample from Henry 's killer was later sent by HPD to the Texas Department of Public Safety for comparison with DNA from Angel Maturino Resendiz, a convicted rail-riding serial killer. That didn't provide a match either, Belk said.

Last month, Belk and members of Henry 's family met with Houston Police Chief Harold Hurtt, who approved the independent retesting of all the DNA samples taken from possible suspects and eliminated through tests done at HPD's lab, Belk said.

He said the case has never gone completely cold.

"We've gotten at least one new lead every year," Belk said, "and I follow up on every one of them."

Noting that most investigators have at least one case they can't let go of, Belk said, "This is mine."

If the case has haunted Belk, it has tortured Barbara Craig, Henry 's mother.

"I was always so proud of Cheryl ," Craig said recently. "She was the older sister to five other kids. ... The youngest, the twins, were just starting fifth grade that year. Their first day of school was spent at their sister's funeral."

Her daughter's death devastated the family, Craig said. The details made it almost too painful to bear.

"To be killed is horrible," Craig said, "But to be terrorized, tied up, raped ... To think her last moments were of terror, and I wasn't there. Because mothers, you know, that's their job, to make it better."

Several scenarios

Craig said finding the person who killed her daughter and Atkinson is important to the family, although "we try not to base our happiness on whether or not the person is caught."

Atkinson 's father could not be reached for comment.

Belk acknowledges the note could be a hoax, but he said it is difficult to see what reward there could be in such a deception. The other possibilities are that the note is from the killer, or from someone who could identify the killer.

The latter would probably be the best news for Belk. In a study published in the Journal of Criminal Justice and Popular Culture in 2002, Seattle University journalism professor Tomas Guillen looked at a half-dozen killers who contacted police or the media before their capture, and concluded that while the killers' missives often helped police link previously unlinked crimes, or proved pivotal in helping convict the offenders once they were caught, they rarely helped identify a killer.

"Although these killers injected themselves into cases, sometimes repeatedly for years, with poems, letters, and telephone calls to investigators or the news media, the communiques did not lead to enough investigative evidence or clues to put an immediate end to a series of slayings," Guillen wrote.

All Belk wants is some foothold he can use to push the case closer to its resolution.

Anyone with information in the case can call Belk at 713-308-3600, or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

...

Houston homicide investigators want to know who wrote them an anonymous letter regarding the 1990 slayings of Cheryl Henry and Andy Atkinson . Their bodies were found near a secluded cul-de-sac in west Harris County. Police got the letter three years ago and are releasing it now in hope that someone with information will come forward.

The letter demanded $100,000 in exchange for the killer’s identity and asked police to respond through the Houston Chronicle’s ``personal column.’’

The letter writer warned that a lawyer would be hired ``to make sure u play straight.’’

Marine Mom

08-24-2005, 03:53 PM

I've read this story before.

I wish you and Houston PD the best of luck in locating the killer.

mysteriew

08-24-2005, 03:57 PM

First of all let me say how sorry I am for your loss. To lose someone this close is terrible, but under these circumstances- well I cannot even imagine how much worse it makes it.

First, I presume that you have sent a message to America's Most Wanted? Unsolved Mysteries?
And there are many more places you might want to contact. Most of the contacts are listed in a thread here at WS:
http://websleuths.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26445
I would suggest that you message them, and that you get as many friends and family as possible to message them. The more requests they get on a particular case- the more attention they will pay.
Also, have you contacted any of the bloggers? Blogs are hot right now, they are good at publicizing cases, many of them are also good sleuthers, and even the media are watching them now.
Do you know if your sister's case was ever connected to any other killings?

I hope you someday get justice. Don't give up, keep working on it. Stay in touch with the LE and let them know you still are interested in getting info on the case.

mocity

08-24-2005, 04:09 PM

fran

08-24-2005, 06:12 PM

mocity:
I'm so sorry to hear about your sister and her date. It must be hard having to deal with this, and never finding the perp! What a tragedy.

First, because they have dna, I assume they've filed it with the national dna database? Just because it was a crime in Texas, doesn't mean the perp is from there. Recently, we've seen a rash of crimes such as this where the perp had crimes in multiple states. This guy could be from anywhere.

Please check the link below and go to JerseyGirl's posts # 110 & 111. She has lots of media outlets listed that you could contact.

http://websleuths.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12271&page=5&pp=25

Have there been any other crimes such as this in that area? The MO doesn't necessarily have to be exact, they could be taped rather than tied, beaten or shot rather than knifed. It could be just one victim, (meaning a woman alone) or it could even be a child. Recently, some of these perps have shown that it's more a chance of 'opportunity' rather than a specific age or gender.

Good luck. I hope you find your answers.

JMHO
fran

texasgirl

08-24-2005, 06:53 PM

I had a question and thought I might try this site. My step-sister and her boyfriend were murdered back in 1990. Today, August 23rd 2005, is the 15th anniversary of her death.

Mocity-

I'm so sorry for the loss of your sister and her boyfriend years ago....I just read this story this morning. I'm just so very sorry!

I did like that LE was asking people to look at the note to see if they could recognize the handwriting but to be honest, I couldn't find a good enough picture to see what the note said or see the handwriting?! I live in Austin anyway but you never know...

I think you definitely should check into AMW, Nancy Grace or Greta. I've emailed Greta before and gotten a response...she's awesome!!

Good luck to you! You and your family are in my prayers!

Tranaice

08-24-2005, 08:50 PM

Mocity,

I am so sorry to read this about your sister and her boyfriend. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and his family. I also pray they find who did this.

mysteriew

08-25-2005, 02:41 AM

Mocity,
I spoke of the blogs. Here is the link for darkside of planet huff:
http://www.planethuff.com/darkside/ Halfway down the page on the right is a contact form. He has also listed a long list of blogs and true crime sites and forums below that. He posts on WS, so I know he has a sincere interest in getting crimes solved.
The Cellar- I see it mentioned on here a lot. And I noted a general discussion forum for unsolved, cold cases. http://www.bbfunpro.com/index.php?mforum=thecellarblog
Crime news 2000 They have a forum. http://crimenews2000.com/cgi-bin/wwwthread/postlist.pl?Cat=&Board=cold
There are many, many others.
Keep on posting- the more people who hear your story- the more interest there will be. And good luck.

Bobbisangel

08-25-2005, 05:29 AM

Thanks to you both. LE has been wonderful to my family and we keep in touch with the lead investigator almost monthly since this happened in Aug 1990. Locally there is alot of interest. Now the lead investigator has been promoted and is leading the cold case unit so we are lucky in that regards. Crimestoppers and LE here has asked us to try to get the story out nationally so I am trying to find out information. Thank you for the suggestions!!

It is more than terrifying to know that this person (most likely persons) is walking around among us. Due to the nature of the killings and the placement they believe it is at least 2 people. The new DNA technology has even now told us it was a white male that raped her.

Thanks again.

I'm really surprised that the DNA hasn't matched up with someone somewhere.
It sounds like a crime that would be repeated or had been done before...probably both. The killer even had rope with him. I wonder if this killer followed your sis and her friend up there or if it is someone who checks out known lover lanes looking for couples that were parked and vulnerable. So many questions and no answers yet.

As for "America's Most Wanted" my experience is you get results if you have your lead detective make the call. My family and friends contacted AMW after the murder of my daughter...the killer ran. The same with "Unsolved Mysterys." We didn't get results...in fact I received a form letter from "Unsolved Mysterys" telling me that they get 1000's of requests daily or weekly, etc. It took our lead detective making the calls to get our case on both shows. The shows want to talk to someone in charge and they want details so that they know it is the truth. My friend even sent newspaper clippings to no avail. "AMW" showed our case at least 3 times over 8 yrs until the killer was caught in Mexico. They did a reinactment also. "Unsolved Mysterys" segment lasted all of a minute but at least they did put it on. Kind of ticked me off though because they show reruns over and over and over..the same ones.

You are so fortunate to have the lead detective that you have. Our lead detective never gave up either. He said "this case will never go on the back burner as long as I am on the force." It didn't either. He also told me later after the killer was caught that he credits me for never giving up and keeping my foot on his rear giving him that push for 8 months. Teamwork!!! All it takes is to get one person in LE involved in your case...like your detective and mine. You become family...bonded.

What about contacting "Cold Case Files" on CTV or A&E? Can't remember which channel it's on. At the end of the show they always ask if anyone has a cold case and give a number to call. It's sure worth a try.

Nancy Grace and Greta are advocates for victims. I would make sure and contact them.

I sure hope that something breaks for you and your family. Someone out there knows something or might remember something someone said. That is a long time to go without knowing who did that to your sister. It is just horrible.
I understand what your mother is talking about when she said that we are supposed to be there for our kids. We have to live with the nightmares of our daughters last moments on earth. I hope they catch the S.O.B. that did this to your sister and her friend. I hope he gets the death penalty when he goes to trial.

kato

08-25-2005, 09:11 AM

I live in Houston and remember this crime very well. Wasn't it off of Eldridge or Enclave Parkway somewhere between Westheimer and Memorial/I-10?

mocity

08-25-2005, 10:01 AM

Yes, the murders took place off Eldridge between Briar Forest and Memorial. That area is all built up now. I hate how they named it "lovers lane" but that appears to have caught people's attention. They named it this because my other sister and I told them we all (when we were in high school) used to park out there and hang out and drink beer. :-)

Thank each and every one of you for your kind words and suggestions.

Bobbisangel, your case give me such hope and encouragement!!

Yes, the DNA has been entered into the national database. They have followed up on 100's of leads and compared the sample to many serial killers too.

My personal opinion.... but they don't agree.... is that a crowd she had been hanging around with that summer has something to do with it. I think they could have followed them from the bar they had been at. Who knows. They did make them submit DNA samples and none matched. BUT I think this means they didn't rape her. It doesn't mean they didn't kill her. Hopefully someday we will know.

I am putting together a package with details, pics, copy of the note, all articles, etc to send to all the shows, advocates, etc. Hopefully, something will come of it.

Our lead investigator will talk to whoever he needs to. He has been quoted saying that all investigators have one case that haunts them and they wanted solved before they retired... he said this is his. There were 6 of us (kids) when this happened and he would even come over and talk to us when we were scared and had questions. He has been wonderful to my family.

fran

08-25-2005, 10:28 AM

mocity:
It's nice to hear the LE has been so nice to the victim's family. You always read about what LE does in public; but, it's rare to hear the supportive things they do behind the scenes.

FWIW,..... you say that you told LE that ,.........."my other sister and I told them we all (when we were in high school) used to park out there and hang out and drink beer. :-) and that LE has checked out those from the bar. (from her present crowd)
Your sister had been away at college and was 22, so it had been a few years since 'her' crowd had hung out at this 'party site.' What about the, then current, high school crowd? Were they still using this location to party? Have you or LE tracked anyone that was in high school at that time that has since been in trouble with the law? This crime could have been committed by someone who was in high scool then and just beginning their life of crime. It could have been some high school kids getting high or drunk, saw the couple and started joking with them, then harrassing them and things got out of hand (especially if they were under the influence it's easy to get out of control).

Just a suggestion.

JMHO
fran

PS....Just an aside. There's another case I've recently seen where there's a 15 year old murder of a high school girl, (I believe it's from Utah?). Anyway, they're just now arresting people involved and they were from her high school crowd. I don't know the details of the original investigation (much different circumstances than your sister's (girl went missing at lunch time from school)), however this would have been at the time the high school friends first started their, what is now (15 years later,) life of crime. Up to the point the girl went missing, these people probably hadn't been in trouble (ie. not been caught) so LE didn't suspect them. However, since that time, some of them have been involved in drugs, etc, and served time, and it seems talked a little here and there to acquaintenances about 'little hints.'..........fran

mysteriew

08-25-2005, 07:39 PM

I found an article about the blogs- it explains a little about them, and gives some good links. http://www.krem.com/news/police/stories/krem2_081205_blogs-crime-fight.68023f5b.html

Norma

09-04-2005, 10:30 PM

I would suggest that Sgt. Belk try to contact AMW; it might carry more weight when the lead detective asks for a show.

Where all old boyfriends cleared? The fact that Cheryl's body was covered and Andy's wasn't seems to say the killer knew her and felt remorse, but they were mad at Andy and left him in the open.

Where the balloons kept? Where they ever checked for DNA (or could they be now)?

mysteriew

09-05-2005, 12:31 AM

I am glad you got to have a press conference on the anniversary. Each year on the annivsary have some kind of event. A graveside candlelight service. A candlelight vigil at the courthouse. When you are going to casual public events (local sports events for instance- wear a t-shirt with their pictures and names on them. On their birthdays, post memorial pictures of them in the paper with a synopsis of their story and a plea for info. Keep them in the media. Check to see if there is a crimestopper person attached to your TV stations and newspapers. Make sure they remember your sister's case and that it is unsolved.

tired.old.hag

09-06-2005, 07:31 AM

mocity, I saw a picture of your sister with a news story on the internet. What a beauty!! Absolutely gorgeous.

You know, one of my biggest fears is that after I'm gone, no one will remember me - I have this crazy feeling that if no one remembers me, it will be like I never existed. How wonderful it is that after 15 long years, you're not only still remembering your sister, but fighting so hard to make sure others remember her too. I can tell you love her very much, and it's very moving. I wish I could give you a hug.

Now, on to your question :) To get national attention, here are my thoughts and ideas.

- I think Beth Holloway Twitty is a genius at getting national attention. Each time media attention waned, she created a situation or event to bring the media back. A good example is when she went to the Internet Cafe. I don't know if she thought of ideas herself, or if she consulted some sort of public relations agent. But she seems like a wonderful, loving, caring person, and I would suggest that you contact her, and tell her what you're trying to do, and ask her how she went about sustaining national media attention for such a long period of time. I'll bet she'd be more than happy to talk with you.

Look at the stories that grab national attention, try to find out why, then try to hit the media in the same way. e.g., Natalee Holloway was young, beautiful, blonde hair, out doing not a thing wrong and having a good time with friends. All this is the same for your sister.

- National media attention is based on 2 things - whether a story will raise their ratings, and probably more importantly, how "slow" the news is at any given time. When there are not enough interesting things going on in the world, the media actually has to go looking for them.

Right now, because of the hurricane, getting national media attention for your sister's case would be close to impossible. A few weeks ago, when the news was "slow", it would have been much easier.

Keep track of slow news times, and try to tie your sister's case to "popular" and especially "sensational" news stories - when you see something with a link of some sort, that's a good time to hit the media. e.g., if BTK sending his letter after so many years hits the media again, that would be a good time for you to hit the media with the letter sent after so many years in your sister's case.

- Consider writing a book, and even having a movie made. I'd recommend talking to an agent about this to find out the "ins and outs", for example, if you write the book yourself, as opposed to having one of the "famous" true crime writers (Ann Rule, Mark Furman(sp?), Linda Fairstein(sp?)) write it, or co-write it. Not only would this get national attention, but you can use the funds for further efforts that you may not be able to afford right now.

- I had an idea for a "sensational" event that would probably get national media attention. Enlist your friends and the detective to re-enact the crime, at the location it happened, to try to look for information that may have been forgotten after all this time. Publicize it well it advance. Send press releases, and send invitations to every single one of the "experts" in the entire country to come to it to make notes, ask questions, and share them. You may well get a couple of the big experts there if your sister's case catches their attention, and especially if they're looking for some media attention. Watch all the news channels and Court TV, and record the names of all the experts who frequently appear - they're attention seekers :) They definitely all get invitations :)

An alternative to this would be because right now internet bloggers are getting attention for the work they do on crimes. You could have the same re-enactment, and invite all bloggers and web sleuths to attend :) It could be publicized as something like "Woman turns to web detectives to solve sister's case".

- Again, a consultation with a really good PR agent may be well worth the money to get the attention in the national media you seek.

- This isn't media, but might help http://www.vidocq.org/ They work for free. You could also look for other organizations like them.

mocity, I hope none of my ideas offend you, for example where I use the word "sensational". I'm not at all suggesting that you show disrespect to your sister. I'm just thinking off the top of my head, and unfortunately, it seems to me that the media today looks for things that they can "sensationalize". So I was thinking in terms of what would get their attention. Again, I am very sorry if I offended you in any way. My sincere thoughts and prayers are with you.

tired.old.hag

09-06-2005, 07:32 AM

Bobbisangel, I'm terribly sorry about your daughter. You will be in my prayers.

dannyodie

09-06-2005, 01:02 PM

hey just to be on the safe side, why not compare that dna sample to joseph duncan? or would that not be the kind of person that may have done this, I know he primarly is linked to kids, but is it possible he did this also? just a random thought, maybe just compare handwritting samples to his.

mocity

09-07-2005, 03:13 PM

Thanks again for everyone's suggestions. I really appreciate the thoughts and support. The DNA is in the National Database so it is my understanding once someone's DNA is entered, such as Jospeph Duncan's, it would automatically be checked. Is this correct? Here is another link to an article one of the local tv stations had on their website. It contains a pic of both Andy and Cheryl.

http://www.click2houston.com/news/4885372/detail.html

Norma

09-07-2005, 05:24 PM

No, I don't think that DNA is automatically searched. I think you have to specifically request it.

Bobbisangel

09-08-2005, 05:51 AM

No, I don't think that DNA is automatically searched. I think you have to specifically request it.

Isn't that the purpose of the DNA data base though...LE can enter DNA into the data base and the data base looks for a match? That has been my understanding anyway. Like the way they can enter fingerprints into a data base and the data base searches to see if there are any fingerprints already in the data base that match the ones just put in.

If there was more than one person involved in the murders I'm surprised that one of the killers hasn't bragged about it to someone. I sure wish LE would get a good tip that would lead to the killers. This family needs justice for Cheryl.

mocity

09-08-2005, 02:48 PM

Thanks again to all. From the beginning LE has thought it was more than one person so they thought it would come out eventually because someone wouldn't be able to keep their mouth closed... whether it be bragging to someone, talking a family member, girlfriend, etc. So it is amazing that nothing has come up in 15 years. I have heard them say as many as 4 or 5 people. However, they have also set up scenarios where it was one person but that is highly unlikely.

Norma

09-14-2005, 09:16 PM

Isn't that the purpose of the DNA data base though...LE can enter DNA into the data base and the data base looks for a match? That has been my understanding anyway. Like the way they can enter fingerprints into a data base and the data base searches to see if there are any fingerprints already in the data base that match the ones just put in.

But new DNA and fingerprints are entered on a daily basis. So for old cases, they sometimes have to run matches periodically to see if something might finally be matched up that wasn't there the last time they searched. I saw a show on this on CTV once, where a dedicated lab assistant ran a new match every month on his own time, and it took years to finally find a match. For this case, which is so old, that might have to happen.

concernedperson

09-14-2005, 09:26 PM

It is so hard.You might think you have info but it is up to the detectives at hand. If they are not inclined it kinds of go away. Just keep it up and someone somewhere will speak. It will come from the most unlikely source.

OrdinaryLife

09-18-2005, 04:11 PM

Have any other evidence been looked into? The 2 different ropes bugs me. One type of hemp rope was used on CH and another 'simular' type on AA. Was anything taken off these 2 ropes and reveiwed?

What time did they leave the club...how long a drive to "lover's lane" from the club...I read a LE patrol car found them the evening of 8/22 and tracking dogs called in. Did the dogs track/find any scent of the killer/s? Were there any other tire tracks or footprints of others other than the 2 victims?

Sorry, *so* many questions!! :)

I believe that there was more than one person involved. The brutality of CH and AA's murders is also *very* disturbing! I can't help but wonder if AA was tortured having to watch what was done to CH and then killed after she was. Perhaps the reverse is true...obviously, that's possible.

I wish we had more forensic info as well as autopsy (my apologies to you, Mocity, if I am seem to be insensitive. *Truly*, not my intention.) results that pertain to this case. I can understand LE wanting to be tight lipped with info, but after *15* years, it could be so beneficial to this case! After all, the letter sent to LE was sent March of 2001.

There must be *something* that can be shared without hurting this case, *especially* after so many years gone by.

I hope so for this case and for the two families that have been dealing with this tragedy for so long.

mocity

02-16-2006, 02:45 PM

bumping for Cheryl

aussiegran

02-16-2006, 03:14 PM

bumping for Cheryl:( I feel so sorry for you and your family .I cant imagine your torment not knowing who did this terrible thing.I cant believe the number of A**holes who try to profit from these horrible crimes like the one who wrote the note.I hope they rot in HELL. I hope they can ID them one day through DNA .

mocity

02-16-2006, 03:43 PM

THANK YOU!

It scares the hell out of me that people can do these horrible crimes and get away with it. They are freely walking around in the world with all of us. So scary..........

Thanks again for your kind words

strach304

02-16-2006, 04:33 PM

It would seem logical that they would test the letter for dna and fingerprints, the origin of the paper and have handwriting experts go over it to see if they are left handed, male or female, etc. Any idea why Le thinks it was more than one perp specifically? Duncan and BTK, Zodiac all come to mind as killers that used a gun to subdue more than one victim so I'm wondering if that's what they are basing it on. I think it's possible they were both tied up and Andy was killed first your sister ran which accounts for the distance in their found locations. He spent more time with her obviously and I think rape was the motivation so imo this is a sex offender already in full swing not his first violent crime.

The ropes seem like a very good lead to pursue their origin, I have seen a few cases where they did this with the fibers from ropes and there was one in particular, I wish I could remember which one it was but the fibers from the ropes were rare and easily tracked and matched to rope found at the suspects home. Maybe someone else here remembers which one that was. In the case of the BTK they knew what copy machine he used imo that was a valuable clue.

Can you tell us why you think the group your sister hung out with could be involved? Things that you may know may be based on something in your subconscious that you know but don't know why you know. I know about the one case here of the 15 year old girl that one poster was talking about that disappeared at lunchtime. Thing is with that case a lot of people did know about it and were involved, her parents never gave up and what got the ball rolling was LE pulling in men that knew about it and even provided a false alibi, lies to LE, etc. and got indictments on them till one finally cracked and told what he knew. I have no doubt that this could be possible with your sister because a search on the web for cases of teen murders is very common and are often very brutal like this crime. I can see how an ex or shunned male of your sister's could fit this crime and he could have had help just because noone has talked doesn't mean there wasn't more than one person involved. For instance two victims maybe two killers and they would both be equally prosecuted.

May I suggest you also contact some of the foundations, maybe do a fund raiser to get the reward higher. Money talks so a larger reward may help someone remember something. The best of luck to you and your family and I will keep watching for progress and pray for justice for both victims and their families. Also you may want to read about other cases here for ideas and contacts that may help you in your pursuit.

mocity

02-16-2006, 04:49 PM

Stach - Thanks for your interest. Let me try to answer your questions the best I can..

~they think it was one more than one killer because of the location of Cheryl vs Andy and the brutality of the crime. They also took them from their car into the woods.
~ I know they tested the ropes for all info back when the crime was committed and again recently. They used some sort of new testing and in a different lab
~ the goup she was hanging out with just gave me the creeps. the way they looked at me, treated me, etc. In addition, they were losers..... 20 and 21 year olds living at home, not going to school, not working, etc. Also, somewhat into drugs. One of their alibis was a drug dealer!! The gorup included an ex boyfriend but he had broken up with her. His good friend wanted to date her and she wouldn't because she said they had too great of a friendship. He didn't come to the funeral...so much for a good friend, huh?

LE has looked into all of this over and over again and don't feel like it is the group that I belive had something to do with it. They had to give blood samples, alibis, etc.

Thank you for your kind words, interest and support

strach304

02-16-2006, 06:07 PM

I was afraid that was the reason LE thought this about the distance they were found apart so therefore I'm not convinced, I'll give you an example; if it was one perp came up suddenly(making out your mind is elsewhere) with a gun told them to get out and of course they would cooperate under those circumstances probably thinking they were going to be robbed. He then leads them to the area of the tree(?) where Andy was found because his car is parked there with the rope and knife. That's when and where they are tied up and your sister could've made a run for it with her hands tied after she saw him kill Andy. I just know there are other cases where LE believed it was more than one person responsible like in the Groene case for one but there are many more and with serial's their first victims were believed to have been committed by someone who was an experienced killer and that wasn't the case. They don't make the connection often times because the method changes.

I think they are missing something maybe because of the dna and I did see on the news about the lab that was shut down. You also have confirmed there is good reason imo to go back and look at those friends and the ex and want to be boyfriend. That dna will do no good to solve this case if the person is dead or the dna was planted which isn't unheard of it has happened. At the time of the crime they didn't have the technology for dna like now but they could still test to get a blood and semen analysis and that could be a reason to plant dna by the perp. especially if the person was known to your sister and knew LE would question them and ask for a sperm sample.

mysteriew

02-16-2006, 06:33 PM

Mocity, look up the Ali Kemp case on here. In a lot of ways this case reminds me of her. Anyway, the prosecutors there did a great job with the grand jury (but they had suspects). You might pick up some info on that case that you can use.
Has their been any other cases in the area where girls or women have come up missing or where couples were murdered and never solved?

gardenmom

02-16-2006, 06:49 PM

I may have missed this or maybe it's obvious, but did they ever check to see if the sperm matched the DNA of Andy? What if she had sex with him, and the DNA from the sperm have nothing to do with the murders?

your sister and her boyfriend were gorgeous. A very sad loss.

You may want to consider getting this thread moved to cold cases. There are people on there very willing to help research.

mocity

02-16-2006, 07:46 PM

thanks all!! Yes, they did do a sperm sample on Andy and it came up negative.

Also, the LE has run scenarios of multiple people versus one and they said it is possible that it was one but most likely was more. Cheryl was a fighter and would have fought till the end if she could... she was a strong girl. They said there weren't signs that she fought and she didn't have shoes on and there wasn't anything on her feet... like she was carried so I don't think she could have run. However, when you mentioned that it sure seemed like something she would do. I know if she could have fought or tried to get away she would have.

mocity

08-11-2006, 10:33 AM

bump............

Old Broad

08-12-2006, 08:23 AM

Such a tragic loss, my heart goes out to both families.
Has there been much looking into what had gone on at the nightclub they were at earlier? How far away was the nightclub to where they were murdered? They were there with another couple right? I'm just wondering if there wasn't someone there that night who took notice of them and somehow heard of where they were going later or were able to follow them. Was there anyone showing interest in your sister, staring a lot? Your sister was covered up afterwards which makes me think it was someone who knew her.
I agree with the poster who suggested having fundraisers to get the reward higher, it's sad to say but higher dollar amounts sometimes seems to make the difference in ones talking. Raising the amount also can get more publicity both by having fundraisers and then announcing the reward amounts.
I'm with the other poster on this being able to be done with just 1 killer, he could have held them both with a gun and had them think it was just going to be a robbery, ordered her to tie him up, once he was restrained then he was able to victimize your sister.

OB

mocity

08-23-2006, 03:20 PM

16th anniversary today of my step-sisters murder......still unsolved......amazing with all the technology and valid DNA sample.

Bobbisangel

08-24-2006, 03:28 AM

16th anniversary today of my step-sisters murder......still unsolved......amazing with all the technology and valid DNA sample.

I'm so sorry that you have had to go all of these years without finding out anything about the murder of your sister. I wonder how often they check to see if there is anyone in the system whose DNA matches the sperm taken from your sister? There are new criminals being added daily. You wouldn't think that your sister and her friend were their/his only crime.

I hope that you get the answers that you have searched for for so long one of these days. I don't know how your family can stand the waiting and not learning anything at all. I wonder if the person/persons who did this still live in that area and think they really pulled off the murders and will never be caught. It seems like someone would have talked by now....bragged to someone about pulling off the perfect crime. Someone knows something. It's hard for killers not to brag to someone.

morf13

08-23-2009, 02:08 PM

Bumping..
Anybody know where i can find a clear closeup copy of the anonymous letter for viewing?

morf13

08-23-2009, 03:40 PM

Heres is a handwriting comparison between the anonymous letter writer in this case,and a person that i think may have written the anonymous letter. The anon. letter writer will be called writer "H", and the person who i think may have wrote it will be called writer "Z". See if you think both writers are the same.

Patience

08-23-2009, 04:03 PM

I am very sorry for your loss. I hope it's ok to post this.

http://www.helpcherylandandy.com/

This is what the suspect looked like in 1990 so he has aged (19 years later). He's described as in his late 20s/early 30s (in 1990), Caucasian, dark hair, dark eyes and 6ft. tall.

http://www.helpcherylandandy.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/CompositeSketch.jpg
Click here to view the local CBS report regarding the most recent lead (http://www.khou.com/news/local/crime/stories/khou080519_mh_loverslanesketch.b25cca6.html)

We need your help. Does this sketch of the suspect look familiar?
If you recall anyone that looked like this in 1990 Call Crime Stoppers.
If you lived in Houston in 1990, try to recall anything that may relate to this tragic night.
If you know of anything that may help lead to finding their killer please contact Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS. All callers are anonymous.

Patience

08-23-2009, 04:07 PM

Houston Chronicle Article Featuring Handwritten Note

Does this look Handwritting Look Familiar to You?
If so, PLEASE CALL CRIME STOPPERS 713-222-TIPS

http://www.helpcherylandandy.com/id8.html

morf13

08-23-2009, 05:53 PM

barb0301

08-23-2009, 09:40 PM

I believe that i am right,and the writer of the anon letter in this case is the same person i did the writing comparison with. The writer i compared it to was THE ZODIAC KILLER of Calif. I have already contacted Law Enforcement!

And i have done more writing comparison as seen here:

VERY Interesting ! I do see some similarities in the writing, even though the Houston samples are very light. I look forward to hearing what comes of this ! Keep us posted, please?

morf13

08-23-2009, 11:10 PM

VERY Interesting ! I do see some similarities in the writing, even though the Houston samples are very light. I look forward to hearing what comes of this ! Keep us posted, please?

Will do!

lew657

08-25-2009, 10:51 AM

Did they ever look at anyone she may have dated at college? Or who wanted to date her there but she turned down because of the BF?

JulieR

08-25-2009, 01:44 PM

JulieR

08-25-2009, 01:47 PM

Ok I don't get it, the web page has a sketch of a suspect, but from what I have read there was no witnesses? What's up with that?

morf13

08-25-2009, 02:56 PM

Hey Morf13

You are on the go, as soon as I started reading about letters being wrote I thought of you and well well here you are. LOL If this letter proves to be a Zodiac letter, he was a man on the move which makes me always think truck driver (I know, I said it before). They can run the same rounds for weeks, months even years till the trucking company loses an account and then the driver starts running another location. There would be no better job for a serial killer. It is hard to catch someone who is on the move and I really feel there are a few of the them out there. It would be really cool if dispatchers in trucking companies would look at the dates of the killings in (Zodiac) CA and see if there is a pattern.

I will share with you a handwriting comparison i did of the anon. letter writer compared to the KNOWN writing of Zodiac. The Zodiac will be called "Z" in the writng comparison the anonynous Houston writer is called "H". Judge for yourself,as for me , i am certain the anon. letter writer is ZODIAC! Whether he committed their murder, i cant say,but the way they were killed is alot like the Lake berryessa Zodiac attack. In that attack,Zodiac approached a young couple with a gun,and subdued them. He then tied them both up,and stabbed them both repeatedly. Very similar to this case. Two big differences.
1- Cheryl was raped. Zodiac never did that,but maybe he moved onto rape later on.
2-Their throats in this case were slit.Zodiac stabbed. Although i believe if Zodiac did kill this couple he slit their throats,as to not leave witnesses as he did in the berryessa attack.

The sketch you saw is of a rapist in another case. Chery henry's rape DNA matched to the DNA taken fron another rape victim,who survived her attack,and gave the description of her attacker in the sketch. He would have been in his 30's or 30's,too young to be Zodiac. But i also read that the lab that did the tests for DNA for Houston PD,was shut down due to improper DNA handling and mix-ups, so the DNA from Cheryls henry's rape,may not even go with the person in the sketch.

As far as Zodiac being a trucker, i dont think so. I think he moved to Texas. There is no known Zodiac activity in Calif after 1974. I believe its because he moved.

please give your opinions on the handwriting comparisons

JulieR

08-25-2009, 07:10 PM

Writing samples are not my thing, but they do look like they could be from the same person.

Quote;
As far as Zodiac being a trucker, i dont think so. I think he moved to Texas. There is no known Zodiac activity in Calif after 1974. I believe its because he moved.

Or he changed jobs, and started working for another company (The man had to work somewhere). Wonder if the Richard H. guy from the Lindy B. case was ever in TX. I thought he was a strong link to CA. to PA.
Seems like serial killers like CA. and TX because there sure are a lot of unsolved cases there.

morf13

08-25-2009, 07:35 PM

Julie, didnt really consider Richard Haefner a suspect in the Biechler case,more a POI,as well as a POI in the Aardsma case. He coincidentally was from where Biechler lived,he was at college same time as Aardsma,and he wrote a research paper in Calif in the 60's. Despite all of that, i havent been able to conclusively link him with any Zodiac crime. Also, he moved out to Calif at some point and while out doing research in the desert,died of a heart attack in 2002.

This connection i have made between the Zodiac and this Houston double homicide shows that the anonymous letter was received by police in 2001,and while haefner could have been involved i doubt he was.

In addition, in fanning out my search from Houston, i found the League City Tx. murder of Laura Lynn Miller. She was shot with a .22 in the mid 80's. Over 20 years later(i believe it was 20 years later( her father received an anonymous letter. It was filled with Zodiac-like references,words,etc. This would have been AFTER HAEFNER DIED. I am so sure that this Houston & League City activity is Zodiac,that I can safely rule out once and for all in my mind Zodiac suspects, ALA (He was already dead) Manson family member Bruce Davis ( He was in jail) Ted Kazcynski "unabomber" (He was also in jail),ad POI Haefner.

If there isnt a Laura Lynn Miller thread already, i will be adding one. Stay tuned!

morf13

08-26-2009, 01:31 AM

Okay, here is a handwriting comparison between Zodiac, and the anonymous writer in this Houston case. I was able to make the anon. writer sample a bit darker so it will be easier to see

JulieR

08-26-2009, 07:25 AM

Okay, here is a handwriting comparison between Zodiac, and the anonymous writer in this Houston case. I was able to make the anon. writer sample a bit darker so it will be easier to see

Thanks for making it darker, easier to see and I agree they could both be the same writers very similar writing just looks like the second writer was in more of a hurry.