Issue 38, December 27, 2023

Tinder Killer Sentenced for Murder, Teacher Found Dead in Trunk by Firefighters Responding to Garage Fire

🕵️^{Trivia Question}

Which serial killer led a commune which called itself 'The Family'?
^{Answer at the bottom of the newsletter}

What’s Happening Now

"Tinder Killer" - Sentenced to 71 Years for Carving Swastika in Woman's Back and Murdering Her Lover

A California man, Damon Allen Benson, has been sentenced to 71 years in prison for the murder of Cameron Gabriel and the torture of Gabriel's girlfriend, whom he had met on Tinder.

Prosecutors described the crime as a "horrific love triangle murder plot." Benson, motivated by jealousy, tortured the woman in order to obtain Gabriel's address, which he later used to ambush and kill him.

Benson carved a swastika into the woman's back during the torture.

Surveillance footage disproved Benson's claim of self-defense, and he was found guilty on charges of murder, torture, and mayhem.

The sentencing has been hailed as a day of justice for the victims.

Elementary School Teacher Found Dead in Car Trunk, Boyfriend Arrested as Investigation Unravels

27-year-old elementary school teacher Veronica Aguilar's body was discovered in the trunk of a car during a response to a garage fire in Lancaster, California.

Matthew Switalski, Aguilar's boyfriend and the homeowner, was later arrested in connection with her death.

There were reports of screams from a neighbor prior to the fire.

Aguilar graduated from UCLA and taught in the Lancaster area.

Her family set up a GoFundMe page to assist with funeral expenses, which has raised over $20,000.

Domestic violence resources are available, 1-800-799-7233.

🔒 Safety Tip of the Day: Dating Someone You Don’t Know

With online dating now commonplace, prioritizing safety during initial meet-ups is crucial. Arrange to meet in public places, inform a friend about your plans, and trust your instincts. Always have your phone fully charged and be cautious about sharing personal information too soon.

Cold Case Highlights

Authorities Offer $75,000 Reward in Unsolved Murder Case of Colorado Teenager Maggie Long

Investigators are still searching for answers six years after a Colorado teenager, Maggie Long, was murdered when she interrupted a burglary at her home.

On the anniversary of her death, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation announced a $75,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible.

Long's death was ruled a homicide, and it was discovered that she had been involved in a physical altercation with her assailants before her home was set on fire.

Despite releasing composite sketches of three suspects, no arrests have been made.

In 2021, the case was reclassified as a hate crime, which Long's sisters hope will bring new information to light.

The FBI and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Skeletal remains found in Virginia identified as missing 5-year-old boy Logan Nathaniel Bowman; new charges expected as investigation continues

Skeletal remains found in Virginia last year have been identified as those of Logan Nathaniel Bowman, a 5-year-old boy who went missing in 2003.

The Carroll County Sheriff's Office used a forensic genome sequencing company, Othram Inc., to determine the identity of the remains.

Logan's mother, Cynthia Davis, and her then-boyfriend, Dennis Schermerhorn, were previously charged in connection with his disappearance.

Davis was sentenced to 15 years, while the charges against Schermerhorn were dismissed due to lack of evidence.

The sheriff's office stated that new charges are anticipated as the investigation continues.

The remains were discovered in a wooded area in Galax, Va., the previous year.

🔍^{Trivia Answer}

Charles Manson