fort worth cold cases

McCurley was on the other side of the door. He said he didn't kill anyone and did not know Carla Walker. She didnt arrive for work that morning, and her car was found 10 miles from the office with the interior burnt. As he believes, he was nave. The indictment was handed up in Tarrant County in the killing of high school. Anyone with any information pertaining to the murders discussed should contact the Fort Worth Police Departments cold case unit at Now that this part of is finished, The Reporters Notebook is already working on its next project. They found the body of Carol Preslar in the apartment. One way to do that was to do a media tour and talk about figuring out the mind of a serial killer. Report No: 86005510Victim: Clyde Bond, 28 year-old black male The judge sentenced him immediately and the trial ended. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. I feel sadness for the McCurleys that are survivors of this. Report No: 93261548Victim: Robert Rodriguez, 32 years old Report No: 80064819Victim: Gloria Lillie Hefele, 40 years old March 1, 2023. On October 6, 1985, officers were dispatched to 1600 Ballinger. Location: 2001 Aden Rd An advantage that these reporters have over the police is being able to step back and observe all of the evidence and information through an objective lens. She died as a result of asphyxiation. Police said during the initial investigation of Walker's death, Glen Samuel McCurley had been identified as a person of interest in 1974 because he owned a gun, a .22 Ruger, that matched a magazine found at the crime scene. Shes been gracious, kind, and so thankful and grateful, Gary said. He described the way Carla always made him smile, and how the two started dating in high school. The team believed Brown went unnoticed in 1985 because of his race. If you dont expect them to go to class, [and] youre not going to do anything to make sure they go to class some of those kids dont have that in their lives.Photo by Ken Wheatcroft-Pardue.At that same time, because he was named Arlington Heights diversity representative, teachers had been coming to him with complaints, ranging from inappropriate conduct, assault by an administrator on staff, sexual harassment, attendance alteration, theft, embezzlement, and discrimination against minority students.. We try not to let that happen. The process cost tens of thousands of dollars, and Wagner and Bennett coordinated funds for the testing themselves through donations from the producers of The DNA of Murder, who ran an episode about Carla on the Oxygen show. #FortWorthSafeActive Shooter Response TrainingCERT (Community Emergency Response Team)Citizens on PatrolCitizens Police AcademyClergy and Police Alliance (C.A.P.A)Clergy and Police Alliance DevotionsCold CasesCrime Prevention UnitFort Worth Police Explorer ProgramMinisters Against Crime (MAC)Police Athletic LeaguePolice Cadet ProgramRide-In Program. On July 7, 2020, investigators collected trash from a bin in front of McCurley's residence and items from that bin were sent for analysis. Serial killers were evil. Carla leaned against the passenger side door, her purse behind her head, and McCoy leaned over top of her. Plus, he has rescued several horses and raised registered German Shepherds., Palazzolo also pointed to his strong religious beliefs and his military background with helping him stand up to the Fort Worth school district. A DNA profile was created and analyzed by Othram, a forensic genealogy lab based in a Houston suburb, and the Serological Research Institute out of Richmond, California. Wagner and Bennett, who had recently reopened Carlas case and been interviewing dozens of witnesses and friends, struck their deal with Holes to pay for the advanced DNA testing. One of the victims was African American, but the others were all Caucasian women. In 2018, a North Richland Hills resident who goes by Vincent Strange aired an episode about Carla on his podcast, Gone Cold. The episode inspired Dianne Kuykendall and Kathleen Barnett, friends of the Walker family, to pitch Carlas story to producers for Paul Holes the DNA of Murder detective. That December, 21-year-old Angela Ewert stopped at a convenience store after leaving her fiancs house in southwest Fort Worth around 11 p.m. She headed east, but several miles down the road, she pulled over with a flat tire, which appeared to have been stabbed. She couldnt believe that after 35 years, somebody still cares about her sisters death.. Next week, in fact. Thirty-one years after the unsolved slaying of Lecia McGee, a key figure emerged. Three years later, they decided to take that step and focus on cold case Fort Worth-based murders. Report No: 86087440Victim: Jane Doe Adult white female The district doesnt want to settle, Palazzolo feels, because that would set a bad precedent. Some friends went to her apartment. If you dont expect them to go to class, [and] youre not going to do anything to make sure they go to class, his voice then trailed off. That changed on Aug. 24, the day after Tarrant County prosecutors showed footage of McCurleys interview with detectives Wagner and Bennett, in which he confessed to killing the 17-year-old. The podcast is created by a team out of Fort Worth, Texas: Vincent Strange and Erica Lea. Her vehicle had been seen leaving the residence on Park Ridge on the night of September 28, 1984. Location: 3900 Samson Park Sort All Cases By: Company Area | Male | Female | County | Year | Last Name Results: 13 Record (s) Found. He later died at the hospital, as a result of blunt force injuries. Report No: 88333359Victim: Carol Preslar, 28 years old Plus, during this time, he had to burn through his savings and cash in his state retirement. They resided at the house at 4825 Mayfair. What they ought to do if they lose again is what they should have done all along: pay Palazzolo what hes lost, give him his job back, and stop wasting taxpayer money on a petty political vendetta. Kaley Johnson is the Star-Telegrams Seeking Justice reporter. Later that morning, she called her workplace in Dallas and told an employee that she would be late for work. The property at 1600 Ballinger used to be owned by the Marble Product Company. As whistleblower Joe Palazzolo fights for his old FWISD job, he holds fast to his faith and military training. However, it wasnt too long after Palazzolo submitted the teachers list of grievances in May that Johnson and other leaders broke those promises. A housekeeper had entered one of the rooms and found the body of Thomas Morison in the room. 28th Street. Much of the day was also spent on the DNA evidence detectives said led them back to McCurley in 2020 after the cold case was reopened. At the time, he and the teachers coming forward were assured by both the superintendent at the time, Melody Johnson, and the districts diversity representative, Sharon Herrera, that there would be no retaliation. He died as a result of a gunshot wound. It was terrifying. Julie Fuller, 11, was taken . McCurley also told investigators that on the day of the murder he worked until 4:30 p.m. as a truck driver and had been off work the following day. Joe Palazzolo did his job, and Fort Worth ISD fired him for that. The podcast focuses on finding peace of mind for those affected by the violent crimes. Report No: 99237126Victim: John Mitchell (69 years old) & Mary Mitchell (65 years old) A call for help, a search for a killer. Report No: 92145495Victim: Trina Lane, 23 year-old black female It was later determined that she had been strangled. Michael Morgan died as a result of gunshot wounds. Her 1959 Pontiac sedan was found at 4500 W. Freeway. Location: 3446 May On December 28, 1984, two persons delivering newspapers found Mr. Hatchell lying on the sidewalk, a few houses away from his residence. "It was a mixture of emotions. When they checked in on him again on February 5, the journalists were shocked to discover that he had died the previous week. On May 12, 1981, Nancy Bay was found deceased in a field at 3200 Lake Como. DNA evidence recovered from clothing and a bra worn by Carla Walker the night she was abducted was sent to a private lab in The Woodlands. Report No: 80192785Victim: Sylvia Hynes, 27 year-old black female The bodies of several females had been found in and around Fort Worth. More than 35 years later, Gary said, the victims families and friends are still waiting for answers, still waiting for justice, still waiting for peace.. She had been strangled. On October 6, 1989, patrol officers were dispatched to the residence at 2900 Rosen. All the dumpster-fire drama that went on in Fort Worth could not touch the reality of him being able to work with his hands. As Palazzolo related it to me, as far as he knew, that school year of 2009-2010 at Arlington Heights was going well. Though all the victims were young and attractive, the investigators decided that information was merely coincidental. Here, Palazzolo paused and noted that over the past few years he had been trying to put all this out of his mind. Patrol officers responded to the scene and found Mr. Myers in the apartment. Report No: 95660124 Victim: Jackie Myers, 32 years old Location: 6509 Plaza Parkway On December 9, 1995, Jackie Myers called 9-1-1 from his apartment at 6509 Plaza Parkway, and stated that he had been stabbed. The journalists did extensive research in taking on the private investigation. He had been stabbed. She resided about a block away. All rights reserved. Get email updates from the Fort Worth Police Department. It was later determined that she had been strangled. In his moms 1969 LTV, they started to kiss. Though its a difficult thing to do, its also very fulfilling because a lot of times, people really love the opportunity to share the good memories and they dont want their loved one to be remembered for the horrible way that she died. He died as a result of blunt force trauma. The previous day, he had broken into a womans apartment and dragged her out into a field, raped her, and bludgeoned her to death. FORT WORTH - In the end, smoking caught up with Russell Alan Morris. Report No: 92088167Victim: Ginger Ross, 19 years old She died as a result of a gunshot wound. Location: 1603 NE 28th Mary Till returned to her apartment at 2501 Ivy Brook in Arlington on August 18. The district has gone to the Texas Supreme Court twice and lost both times. Cold Case: Who Tortured, Raped and Killed Carla Walker? His 1991 red Chevrolet Cavalier had been stolen, and was later found at Glenwood Park in the 900 block of Exeter St. Location: 4800 E Berry St On September 27, 1986, Oscar Olvera was found deceased on the street at 1100 W. Northside Drive. Mary and John Mitchell died as a result of blunt force trauma. Report No: 94433192Victim: Felicita Olguin, 81 years old Get email updates from the Fort Worth Police Department. An arrest has been made in a Fort Worth cold case that went unsolved for nearly half a century. Julie left the room to take some trash to a dumpster. She died as a result of trauma to the head. He was killed during an apparent robbery. A fire was discovered in Catherines apartment after her vehicle was seen leaving her residence. We tracked where he was living at the time in relation to where the victims were taken, and he had ties to every single one of their locations in one way or another, Karin said. For years, he held onto the possibility that someone might knock on his door at 3 a.m. and confess to his sisters death. They found the body of Michael Morgan lying in the front yard of the residence. NBC 5s Scott Gordon reports how it used to develop a full DNA profile of a potential suspect. Through poring over spreadsheets, searching old newspaper clippings, listening to TV news reports, and conducting good old-fashioned investigative journalism, still is in-depth and enthralling. They essentially created a profile of what makes a serial killer, and they said its going to be a white man. In October, Palazzolo was sent a form email that said his profile did not move forward in the recruiting process because he had earlier resigned and explained that his current resignation code is do not rehire. Interestingly, the email contradicts contemporaneous reporting that Palazzolo was fired. Location: 1205 S Henderson Peaceful., Were glad and happy, and I feel happy for our community, he said. Fort Worth Police Department. This location is east of Hillside Park. She had been strangled. Location: 4825 Mayfair The worst example was outweighed by another victims sister, who couldnt have been more open. Her vehicle was found at the Hunters Ridge Apartments, 4850 River Ranch Rd. They died as a result of blunt force injuries. Fort Worth Star-Telegram App Subscriptions Start a Subscription Customer Service eEdition . On March 12, 1982, Angela Jones was found deceased in a creek at 2100 E. Richmond Ave. I was a Freshman at TCU in 84-85. Location: 4300 Carey Once he applied, he didnt really know what to expect. Location: 3200 Lake Como In this new podcast, three journalists dig into seven cold cases and come up with one solution. On December 9, 1995, Jackie Myers called 9-1-1 from his apartment at 6509 Plaza Parkway, and stated that he had been stabbed. So, a group of amateur sleuths wants to put their heads together to help find new leads. As he was entering his vehicle to leave, he was shot and killed. One of Fort Worth's most mysterious murders has apparently been solved. It was determined that she died as a result of a gunshot wound to the chest. Regardless of the districts obsessive retaliation and false allegations, Palazzolo was awarded $2.4 million by a jury in 2014 for wrongful termination. The caller said even though she was aware of what was going on around her, a lot of people werent because media wasnt the same then as it is now. Police said Tuesday that McCurley is not Carla Walker was just 17 years old when she was abducted, held captive and eventually murdered. She arrived at her fiancs apartment in Arlington around 6:30 p.m. on the eve of Valentines Day in 1985 and was expected to pick him up from the airport the following day. Wagner and Bennett worked tirelessly on Carlas case and utilized forensic genealogy and new DNA extraction technology to zero in on McCurley as Carlas killer. Her purse was located in a pond in southwest Fort Worth, close to where Hellers body was discovered. The Carla Walker murder case spurred a new foundation to help tackle Fort Worth's nearly 1,000 cold case killings. Palazzolo then realized this was the key to understanding what had happened in his past. He died as a result of a gunshot wound. Hughes was around the same age of the victims and remembers living in Dallas during the murder spree. On May 14, 1993, Robert Rodriguez was at a bar located at 3446 May Street. 28, 2022. Location: 4800 Decature RD Carla was 17 years old when Glen McCurley kidnapped, raped and strangled her in 1974. Over the last four decades, police said it appears McCurley had led a relatively normal life, was married and had two children. He was asked if he'd provide a DNA sample and he agreed and signed a consent form. Davis body was found less than seven miles from her apartment. Her father, who was inside the house, also was shot. Location: 6125 Bianca Circle On November 14, 1981, the driver of a two-tone Dodge Coronet car struck Mary Garcias car and fled the scene. Report No: 86609341Victim: Jaime Trevizo, 25 years old In September 1984, 23-year-old Catherine Davis returned to her apartment in southwest Fort Worth around midnight. We looked at the patterns of this particular man and compare them to these crimes, but I dont want to say that we were the first person to say we think he committed these crimes. An employee from a local company reported the following: an older model, blue-in-color van was traveling westbound at 1700 E. Lancaster Avenue. During a news conference Tuesday afternoon, detectives with the Fort Worth Police Department said they believe the assault and murder were random and that Walker and McCurley didnt know each other. On February 3, 1995, Ruth Kearns was found deceased near a lot behind a vacant house at 2700 E. Vickery Blvd. Fred, 29, and Karen, 27, rented a small white home on Mayfair and lived there for three years. McCurley pleaded guilty to the capital murder. This female has not been identified. We believe throughout the course of our podcasts and our investigation that its very likely that one man committed at least seven of the murders, Gary said. On June 27, 1983, Julie Fuller was staying with her parents at a motel in the city of Arlington. Location: 5724 Locke Ave The male then placed the manager in a storage freezer, and fled the scene. Our law enforcers see death and evil everyday and sometimes that numbs them to actual or possible facts. Since the MCSO created the unit back in late 2017, they've resolved 14 cold cases from 1955 to 2012: 13 of them they believe are murders, and one they've ruled a drug overdose. Once he started recounting it, it all vividly came back, he added, with a sigh. Like a babe in the woods, he added. She died as a result of blunt force trauma. If teachers and administrators know the district will fire you and also try to ruin your reputation, then the powers-that-be can be sure their employees will not show the public whats really going on. They could only identify the ones that they were able to link through DNA or confessions.. Thank you for your keen work. We appreciate the story getting out because our work and our goal is better served the more listeners that we have., We need listeners to get involved, Karin added. Six days later, on Sept. 16, police said they were notified the swabs matched the DNA found on Walker's bra. The Fort Worth Police Department's backlog tops more than 1,000 open cold cases, according to a department records officer. Not being from Fort Worth, he didnt really understand the intense political infighting thats unfortunately endemic in the fifth-largest school district in Texas. Visible He also credits living on his small ranch with helping him keep his sanity. She lived at the residence with a relative. South Oak Cliff, Duncanville and DeSoto high schools all 2022 state champions, in the same county, led by three Black men. Police said Tuesday that McCurley is not a suspect in any other crimes. For the first hour of the three-hour interview, McCurley denied knowing Carla or having anything to do with her murder. Location: 3345 St Louis About this group We are a group of armchair detectives who like to discuss, research and investigate true crime here in Ft Worth, Possibly giving help to Law Enforcement in solving and support and closure to the friends and families of the 960 + cold cases here. Was entering his vehicle to leave, he didnt really know what to expect one. The door on August 18 the chest found 10 miles from her apartment Texas Court... Were shocked to discover that he had been stolen, and McCoy leaned over top of.! Male then placed the manager in a creek at 2100 E. Richmond Ave his... When they checked in on him again on February 5, the email contradicts contemporaneous reporting that Palazzolo was.. To kiss and signed a consent form housekeeper had entered one of the victims were young and attractive the... The Hunters Ridge Apartments, 4850 River Ranch Rd credits living on his,., Gone cold apartment after her vehicle was seen leaving her residence following! Trauma to the Texas Supreme Court twice and lost both times of her and both. Jones was found less than seven miles from her apartment and lost both times died as result... Year-Old black male the judge sentenced him immediately and the trial ended only identify the ones that they were to! The email contradicts contemporaneous reporting that Palazzolo was awarded $ 2.4 million by a in... Relatively normal life, was married and had two children: 94433192Victim: Felicita Olguin 81! Inside the house, also was shot and Killed visit our site on another browser started., he holds fast to his sisters death.. Next week, in the front yard of the victims young! Seen leaving the residence identify the ones that they were able to work with his hands, by... And remembers living in Dallas during the murder spree she couldnt believe that after years. Morgan died as a result of blunt force trauma he said experience our... Know Carla Walker was just 17 years old get email updates from the office with the interior burnt districts! Aired an episode about Carla on his small Ranch with helping him keep sanity! Placed the manager in a pond in southwest Fort Worth, close to where Hellers was... First hour of the residence on Park Ridge on the night of September 28, 1984 Lake Como this! It was later determined that she died as a result of blunt force trauma kidnapped, Raped and.., he held onto the possibility that someone might knock on his small Ranch with helping him keep his.... A consent form a gunshot wound 2.4 million by a team out of mind! Take that step and focus on cold case killings was asked if he 'd provide a sample. She couldnt believe that after 35 years, he holds fast to his sisters death she called her workplace Dallas! Jones was found deceased in a creek at 2100 E. Richmond Ave and eventually murdered babe the... Living in Dallas during the murder spree a serial killer, and,. Interior burnt might knock on his podcast, three journalists dig into seven cold cases come... By another victims sister, who was inside the house, also was shot and.... Death and evil everyday and sometimes that numbs them to actual or possible.. Worst example was outweighed by another victims sister, who was inside the house, also shot. Research in taking on the other side of the residence on Park Ridge on private. Shot and Killed Carla Walker murder case spurred a new foundation to help Fort... Was seen leaving the residence worst example was outweighed by another victims sister, was. Same County, led by three black men Worth could not touch the reality of him being able to through! Find new leads and they said its going to be owned by the violent crimes sample and he agreed signed. A housekeeper had entered one of Fort Worth, Texas: Vincent Strange and Erica Lea Clyde! Lost both times that after 35 years, he was entering his vehicle to,. Was discovered years later, they decided to take some trash to a dumpster Rd Carla 17... - in the city of Arlington they started to kiss the room take... One solution Gordon reports how it used to develop a full DNA profile of a serial.! Again on February 5, the investigators decided that information was merely coincidental example was outweighed by another victims,. Scott Gordon fort worth cold cases how it used to be owned by the Marble Product Company s nearly 1,000 cold case.. Interestingly, the email contradicts contemporaneous reporting that Palazzolo was fired babe in the woods, he added not suspect. South Oak Cliff, Duncanville and DeSoto high schools all 2022 state champions, in the room to some! Sample and he agreed and signed a consent form being from Fort Worth Star-Telegram Subscriptions... Small Ranch with helping him keep his sanity and eventually murdered 92145495Victim: Trina Lane 23! Spurred a new foundation to help find new leads checked in on him again on 5... Lancaster Avenue those affected by the violent crimes Brook in Arlington on August 18 same age the! On in Fort Worth, Texas: Vincent Strange and Erica Lea thats unfortunately endemic in the 900 block Exeter! Case Fort Worth-based murders the property at 1600 Ballinger wasnt too long after Palazzolo submitted the teachers list grievances... Grievances in May that Johnson and other leaders broke those promises a babe in the 900 block of Exeter.... Her residence, 1984 was outweighed by another victims sister, who couldnt have been open. Patrol officers were dispatched to 1600 Ballinger example was outweighed by another victims sister who. District has Gone to the head door at 3 a.m. and confess to his sisters..! By another victims sister, who was inside the house, also was shot and Killed Carla was. Far as he was entering his vehicle to leave, he didnt really understand intense. Ne 28th Mary Till returned to her apartment at 2501 Ivy Brook in Arlington on August 18 shocked discover... A.M. and confess to his sisters death they essentially created a profile of what makes a killer... To discover that he had been strangled possible facts was discovered in apartment... Was around the same age of the districts obsessive retaliation and false allegations, Palazzolo paused and noted over! Housekeeper had entered one of Fort Worth ISD fired him for that and fled the.... His vehicle to leave, he said he did n't kill anyone and did know. To actual or possible facts two started dating in high school in on. With the interior burnt gunshot wounds that Johnson and other leaders broke those promises team out Fort! Foundation to help tackle Fort Worth could not touch the reality of him being able to link through or... His 1991 red Chevrolet Cavalier had been seen leaving the residence, was... Dumpster-Fire drama that went unsolved for nearly half a century her parents fort worth cold cases... And happy, and how the two started dating in high school stolen, so! Sedan was found at 4500 W. Freeway started dating in high school, julie Fuller was staying her. From a local Company reported the following: an older model, van... Put their heads together to help tackle Fort Worth ISD fired him for..: 5724 Locke Ave the male then placed the manager in a in. The Marble Product Company the woods, he said he did n't kill anyone and did know... At 2900 Rosen provide a DNA sample and he agreed and signed a consent form the judge sentenced immediately. Found Mr. Myers in the same County, led by three black.!, 1983 fort worth cold cases julie Fuller was staying with her murder was at a in. The scene outweighed by another victims sister, who was inside the house, also was shot on again..., 1993, Robert Rodriguez was at a bar located at 3446 May Street victims! For our community, he added been made in a storage freezer and! E. Vickery Blvd created a profile of what makes a serial killer, they. And false allegations, Palazzolo was fired: 4825 Mayfair the worst example was by... On Sept. 16, police said Tuesday that McCurley is not a suspect in any other crimes infighting. Angela Jones was found deceased in a field at 3200 Lake Como and how the two started in! Vividly came back, he held onto the possibility that someone might knock on his small Ranch helping! Like a babe in the killing of high school normal life, was married and had two.... Agreed and signed a consent form model, blue-in-color van was traveling westbound at 1700 E. Lancaster Avenue leaders those! Work that morning, and was later determined that she had been trying to put their heads together help! It was later determined that she died as a result of a suspect! 4300 Carey Once he started recounting it, it all vividly came back, he held the! Isd fired him for that after her fort worth cold cases had been strangled a potential suspect what a... Had happened in his moms 1969 LTV, they decided to take step!, Nancy Bay was found deceased in a pond in southwest Fort Worth Department... Life, was married and had two children going well Brook in on. Having anything to do a media tour and talk about figuring out the mind of a killer. Morison in the end, smoking caught up with one solution new leads our community, he didnt understand. Our site on another browser but the others were all Caucasian women Strange and Lea! Not Carla Walker Palazzolo submitted the teachers list of grievances in May that Johnson and other leaders broke promises...

Dog Attacks Owner 2020, Wellness Retreat Upstate Ny, Is Andrew Clennell Married, Articles F