Issue 109, April 05, 2024

Elderly Couple Fatally Shot in Fort Lauderdale Home, Anchorage Man Sentenced to 75 Years for Torture and Murder of Young Woman

🕵️Trivia Question

Which notorious American serial killer was known as the "BTK Killer"?
Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

‎PODCAST: Murder 101 | Why We Love Serial Killers

‎If you're a true crime enthusiast residing in Chicago, don't miss "Why We Love Serial Killers with Dr. Scott Bonn." This one-night live event on April 11th, 2024, features a Q&A session and deep dives into all things true crime.

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What’s Happening Now

Elderly Couple Fatally Shot in Fort Lauderdale Home, Suspects on the Run

On March 22, Major Melvin, 89, and Claudette Melvin, 87, were tragically shot and killed in their Fort Lauderdale home.

The suspect or suspects fled the scene in the couple's 2014 Ford Fusion, which is still missing.

Authorities are seeking the public's help in locating the red, four-door car with the license plate LTDQ16.

The motive for the killings remains a mystery, and no arrests have been made as the investigation continues.

The Melvins were described by their family as loving and caring individuals with multiple children and grandchildren.

A GoFundMe campaign has been started to support the family during this difficult time.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Broward County Crime Stoppers.

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Anchorage Man Sentenced to 75 Years for Torture and Murder of Young Woman, Case Delayed Due to Pandemic

An Anchorage man, Benjamin Wilkins, was sentenced to 75 years in prison for the torture and murder of a 30-year-old woman, Jacqueline Goodwin, at his home in 2016.

Prosecutors noted the case was delayed due to the pandemic and extensive evidence testing.

Wilkins pleaded guilty to second-degree murder to avoid a potential 99-year sentence and incriminating his family.

Judge Peterson called the cruelty unimaginable and emphasized Wilkins as the perpetrator based on evidence.

Two family members were also convicted for hindering prosecution and tampering with evidence.

Goodwin's grandmother forgave Wilkins but requested the maximum sentence for her granddaughter's murder.

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🏃‍♀️Safety Tip of the Day: Jogging Alone

A safety tip when jogging alone is to vary your route and schedule. By changing your route and the times you go for a jog, you make it more difficult for someone to predict your movements. This can help reduce the risk of becoming a target for potential attackers. Additionally, it's a good idea to let someone know your intended route and estimated return time, and consider carrying a personal safety device such as a whistle or pepper spray for added protection.

Cold Case Highlights

Identified: Helen Groomes, Lincoln County Jane Doe from 1978, Found Drowned in Mississippi River, Help Sought for Further Information

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office announced that they identified the Lincoln County Jane Doe, whose remains were found in 1978, as Helen Renee Groomes.

DNA evidence was used to determine that the body found in the Mississippi River was that of Groomes, who disappeared from Ottumwa, Iowa.

The cause of death was ruled as drowning, with the manner of death remaining undetermined.

The victim was originally thought to be a 30-40-year-old woman, but analysis later revealed she was likely a teenager.

The case was solved with the help of SEMO, Othram, and the Lincoln County Coroner's Office.

Contact Detective Aaron McConnell with any information about Helen Groomes.

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45-Year-Old Mystery of College Student's Murder Solved through DNA Evidence and Family Cooperation

A 45-year-old mystery surrounding the murder of college student Tammy Sue Aldridge in 1979 has been solved.

Aldridge was abducted and killed while out jogging in Burlington.

Evidence pointed to Gary Lane Laframboise, who passed away in 2020, as the perpetrator.

DNA from Laframboise's daughter was matched to evidence found on Aldridge's body.

Laframboise lived near the crime scene and had a history of violent offenses.

The Alamance County Sheriff's Office expressed gratitude to Laframboise's family for their cooperation.

The case was revisited in 2012 with new technology leading to the identification of Laframboise as the suspect.

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PODCAST: CrimeHub | The "Scream" Killers: The Murder of Cassie Jo Stoddart

In a dark tribute to a chilling movie, the perpetrators of the "Scream" murders set a lethal snare for Cassie Jo Stoddart, sealing her fate eternally.

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🔍Trivia Answer
Dennis Rader

Dennis Rader, also known as the "BTK Killer," stands for "Bind, Torture, Kill." He terrorized Wichita, Kansas, from the 1970s to the early 2000s, committing ten murders. Rader's nickname derives from his methodical and sadistic approach to his crimes, as he would bind, torture, and ultimately kill his victims. He was eventually captured in 2005 and sentenced to ten consecutive life terms in prison. Rader's case shocked the nation due to the long span of time between his crimes and his eventual arrest, as well as his seemingly normal life as a family man and church leader