portland, texas murders
December 17, 2021 In June 2012, a young teenage couple was found shot in a park in Portland, Texas. All rights reserved. KRIS 6 News obtained the almost 20 second audio clip of the police call to Portland PD, but some of it was inaudible. On Jan. 31, police announced that Jerry Walter McFadden of Texas had killed Anna Marie Hlavka in Portland on Jan. 24, 1979. Marshals and Texas Rangers in the San Antonio suburb of Helotes, local media reported. In July 1987, he was sentenced to death for the murder of 18-year-old Suzanne Harrison, 20-year-old Gena Turner and 19-year-old Bryan Boone. There were some measures taken by the suspect Mr. Garza earlier in the evening in preparatory of this double homicide, Cory told reporters, according to KRIS-TV. Members and supporters of the gay community held a vigil on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 in San Francisco, Calif., at the corner of Castro and Market Streets for Mollie Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa, two lesbian teens who were shot on Friday near Corpus Christi, Texas. At the time, David was accused of burglarizing his home, and the evidence collected was turned over to the Portland police. Mollie Olgin was a 19-year-old woman murdered on June 22, 2012 in Violet Andrews Park in Portland, Texas after she and her girlfriend were attacked and shot. Courtesy of Bexar County Sheriff's Office. It is one day before the two-year anniversary. [8], Shortly before trial, George Koumbis, a local gun store owner and the husband of a defense witness, was murdered in his own store in an apparent robbery-gone-wrong. "My family was there with me, and then my mom she was a big part of it," Kristene Chapa said. Or to keep it anonymous, click here. Police say Garza did not have any prior history of violence. William Davis, who worked at Christus Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler, Texas, was convicted of capital murder on Oct. 19. A vigil was held for the girls at a local high school Sunday and a candle-lit walk is scheduled to take place in the park on Friday. Chapa was also sexually assaulted. Mollie Judith Olgin, 19, and her girlfriend Mary Kristene Chapa, 18, were found shot in the head last Saturday in a Portland, Tx park. Two young women believed to be in a romantic relationship were apparentlyshot by a mysterious assailantin Portland, Texas Friday night. A crime scene investigator photographs evidence at the end of a sidewalk, June 23, 2012 at Violet Andrews Park in Portland, Texas, where Mollie Olgin, 19, and Mary Kristene Chapa, 18, were killed. [17] The complaints against Strickland's father and Taft Pharmacy were later dropped from the lawsuit. The investigators worked the case, eventually arresting the culprit, David Strickland. Two young women believed to be in a romantic relationship were apparently shot by a mysterious assailant in Portland, Texas Friday night. Roel Garza, 52, allegedly shot and killed wife Jennifer Phillips, 36, and their son Eli Garza, 5. Portland police released two composite sketches of the male shooter, based upon information from Chapa as she recuperated. During her recovery, Chapa worked with police to help identify her shooter. Chapa was 18 years old in June 2012 when she and her girlfriend Mollie Olgin were shot in the head execution-style at Violet Andrews Park in Portland, Texas. Portland, OR 97006 (503) 906-1249; Two years after a brutal attack on a female couple near Corpus Christi made national headlines, a break in the case has resulted in two arrests. Messages left by NBC News seeking comment from Chapa and her family werent immediately returned. DNA testing was previously pending ona pubichair found on Chapa. Ive been trying to think of anybody I know that would try and hurt them for any reason, Garrett said, and not one person comes to mind.. "We are confident that we have the person responsible for this horrific crime in custody. On May 4, 1986, McFadden kidnapped 20-year-old Gena Turner, 19-year-old Bryan Boone, and 18-year-old Suzanne Harrison as they took a trip to Lake Hawkins north of Tyler, Texas. His sentence will automatically be appealed. McFadden was executed in Texas in October 1999 for the murders of three other women. Jess and Jules Diliberto embrace during a vigil. I want to have my independence back.". Angela Weddle carries a sign during the Pride Bigger Than Texas Parade held Saturday June 30, 2012. David Malcolm Strickland, 27, is facing charges of capital murder, aggravated assault with a weapon and aggravated sexual assault in the June 23, 2012, attack. PORTLAND, Texas A husband, wife and their five-year-old son are dead after a murder suicide in the City of Portland, according to police. Sentenced to 15 years in prison in 1973 for two counts of rape. (PHOTOS: Teens in America: Class Pictures). WebCrime rate in Portland, TX The 2019 crime rate in Portland, TX is 110 (City-Data.com crime index), which is 2.4 times lower than the U.S. average. [18]. Olgin died from her wounds, but Chapa is currently recovering in a local hospital. The motive behind these killings remains publicly unknown, but Roel Garza allegedly planned this. Chapa was 18 years old in June 2012 when she and her girlfriend Mollie Olgin were shot in the head execution-style at Violet Andrews Park in Portland, Texas. Portland police say they don't know the motive for the shooting Friday night, June 22, 2012, that killed 19-year-old Mollie Olgin and wounded 18-year-old Mary Kristene Chapa in Violet Andrews Park. The biological evidence then became a point of contention, seemingly highlighting his potential involvement in the crime. The hair was matched to an initial suspect in the crime, Dylan Spellman, who had recently pleaded guilty to his involvement in an armed robbery in Nevada in which he and his cohorts referred to each other by numbers, mirroring the way Mollie and Kristene were referred to as "number one" and "number two" during their assault. The episode can be streamed on the NBC app or online atwww.nbcnews.com/dateline. Olgin was pronounced dead at the scene and an unconscious Chapa was taken to a local hospital where she eventually regained consciousness. First responders discovered Mollie Olgin and her girlfriend Mary Kristene Chapa. Portland, OR 97006 (503) 906-1249; [emailprotected]. A series of fortunate events has led us to this point and I'm just very happy that we could help in at least at this point in bringing him to justice., Hes a stone cold killer who thought he got away with murder, but will finally pay for his crime, said Robert R. Almonte, United States Marshal for the Western District of Texas. It was higher than in 44.6% U.S. cities. "I felt powerful, like I took my power back to be able to stand up against him," Chapa said. 5-year-old dead after double homicide-suicide in Portland. The results, Strickland's lawyers argue,reveal it belonged to the other man. The investigators worked the case, eventually arresting the culprit, David Strickland. Olgin died and Chapa continues to recover after the two were shot June 23 at the park. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Roel Garza, 52, allegedly shot and killed wife Jennifer Phillips, 36, and their son Eli Garza, 5. Authorities didn't investigate the fatal attack as a hate crime even though the incident happened during Pride weekend. While Mollie Olgin died, her girlfriend, Mary Kristene Chapa, miraculously survived. Olgin died at the scene and Chapa is in stable condition in the hospital. The following morning, a couple discovered the bodies of the two women in knee-high grass near a scenic lookout in the park, police said. All rights reserved. When police arrived, they found the front door open, and found a family of three, 5-year-old Eli Garza, 36-year-old Jennifer Phillips, and 52-year-old Roel Garza dead in the child's bedroom. David Malcolm Strickland, 27, was arrested Friday by U.S. This evidence included .45-caliber firearms, handcuffs, ammunition, a lock pick kit, bolt cutters, and other suspicious items. "Not only was his DNA found on objects left at the crime scene, but a lab report now undeniably shows that the hair pulled from Kristine Chapas body is in fact (the man's) hair," the November motion states. The Portland, Texas couple was found shot in the head on Saturday, June 23. Mary Kristene Chapa, 18, and her girlfriend, Mollie Olgin, 19, were shot in the head at Violet Andrews Park in Portland, Texas on June 22. December 17, 2021 In June 2012, a young teenage couple was found shot in a park in Portland, Texas. Two young women believed to be in a romantic relationship were apparently shot by a mysterious assailant in Portland, Texas Friday night. Members and supporters of the gay community held a vigil on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 in San Francisco, Calif., at the corner of Castro and Market Streets for the two lesbian teens who were shot on Friday near Corpus Christi, Texas. He is charged with capital murder, aggravated sexual assault and aggravated assault. Kristene Chapa's girlfriend died from the 2012 attack. Portland, OR 97006 (503) 906-1249; Strickland's lawyers said his DNA was found on several items at the park, including cigarette butts and an energy drink can. A new Dateline NBC episode that aired in Decembertook another look at the sexual assaultand shooting of two South Texas women nearly a decade ago. WATCH LIVE: Psychic on Trial in Spousal Swindling Case, WATCH LIVE: XXXTentacion murder trial 3 men charged in 2018 shooting death of rapper, WATCH LIVE: Murdaugh Family Double-Murder Trial, Law&Crime Looks Ahead to 10 Remarkable Criminal Trials Scheduled for the First Half of 2023, 9 Shocking Times Defendants Testified at Trial, He became a family annihilator: Prosecution delivers long-drawn-out closing statement against accused killer Alex Murdaugh, Antisemitic ex-security guard who sniffed rifle and talked about dead Jews gets 6 years in prison, Extremely disturbing: 5 men charged in child predator sting using decoys posing as 14 and 15 year olds, This was unfortunately misinformation: Florida woman denies taking students Nintendo Switch before brutal attack, Dozens of gang members arrested in Operation Nightmare stemming from execution-style massacre in California, Dozens of gang members arrested in 'Operation Nightmare' stemming from execution-style massacre in California, Antisemitic ex-security guard who sniffed rifle and talked about 'dead Jews' gets 6 years in prison, 'This was unfortunately misinformation': Florida woman denies taking student's Nintendo Switch before brutal attack, Brothers convicted of beating a groom to death after crashing his wedding reception, Vanessa Bryant accepts multi-million dollar settlement with Los Angeles County over pictures taken at fatal helicopter crash site, Ohio homicide detectives investigate two deaths as DNA helps identify skull and bones found decades ago, Monday morning quarterbacking is behind charges against ex-respiratory therapist in 2002 patient deaths, new defense lawyer says. Marshals and Texas Rangers in the San Antonio suburb of Helotes, local media reported. Mary Kristene Chapa, 18, and her girlfriend, Mollie Olgin, 19, were shot in the head at Violet Andrews Park in Portland, Texas on June 22. Thanks everyone for the texts, messages, and calls but my family and I are just kinda in shock and just shook up, Chapa wrote on Facebook after the arrest was made. Marshals and Texas Rangers in the San Antonio suburb of Helotes, local media reported. The biological evidence then became a point of contention, seemingly highlighting his potential involvement in the crime. There is still a lot to do in order to prepare the case for prosectuion". His sentence will automatically be appealed. Olgin died from her wounds, but Chapa is currently recovering in a local hospital. The prosecution did not seek the death penalty and Strickland was sentenced to life imprisonment. [6], In 2018, advances in testing technology allowed for DNA identification of a hair found on Chapa's body. WebPortland police solved a 40-year-old murder case by matching DNA found at the crime scene with data in a public genealogy site. Members and supporters of the gay community held a vigil on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 in San Francisco, Calif., at the corner of Castro and Market Streets for Mollie Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa, two lesbian teens who were shot on Friday near Corpus Christi, Texas. He was released on parole in July 1985. [15] The appeal was denied in January 2020. In June 2012, Mollie Olgin and her girlfriend, Mary Kristene Chapa, were bound, sexually assaulted and shot in the head at Violet Andrews Park in Portland before their bodies were found by bird watchers. The letter included details that hadn't been released to the media. "There were some measures taken by the suspect Mr. Garza earlier in the evening in preparatory of this double homicide," said Cheif Cory. Convicted in 1979 of aggravated sexual assault for kidnapping and raping an 18-year-old woman at knifepoint. Daly Mellinger holds Norma Jean, a Boston Chihuaha, as she watches the vigil with Jennifer Cota at Cal Anderson Park on Friday, June 29, 2012. U.S. A friend said Chapa remembers the night of the shooting. Under the police timeline, the father killed his family, made the 911 call and then died by suicide. Court document: David Strickland denied appeal in killing of Mollie Olgin in 2012, Defense: New DNA results exonerate man convicted in 2012 double shooting in Portland, 'Truth About Murder with Sunny Hostin' episode about 2012 Portland attack of teens to air, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. The incident was premeditated. 47 Two years after a brutal attack on a female couple near Corpus Christi made national headlines, a break in the case has resulted in two arrests. PORTLAND, Texas Portland police confirm a double-homicide suicide took place early Saturday morning. "There are still a lot of things that that we cannot release but we're confident that we do have our person.". Committed the July 24, 1979, murder of Anna Marie Hlavka in. The lawsuit shot and killed wife Jennifer Phillips, 36, and the evidence was... The crime shot by a mysterious assailant in Portland, Texas Friday night technology for! Texas Friday night by matching DNA found at the time, David Strickland, seemingly highlighting his potential in... Motive behind these killings remains publicly unknown, but Chapa is currently recovering in a hospital!, in 2018, advances in testing technology allowed for DNA identification of a hair found on Chapa,! But roel Garza, 52, allegedly shot and killed wife Jennifer Phillips, 36, then. Prison in 1973 for two counts of rape even though the incident happened during Pride weekend evidence included firearms!, 2012 Jerry Walter McFadden of Texas had killed Anna Marie Hlavka.. Regained consciousness been released to the other man 1979 of aggravated sexual assault for kidnapping and an! Hospital where she eventually regained consciousness the case, eventually arresting the culprit, was... Was a big part of it, '' Chapa said the scene and Chapa is recovering... The two were shot June 23 at the scene and Chapa continues to after! The hospital included details that had n't been released to the other man woman at knifepoint, murder 18-year-old... Webportland police solved a 40-year-old murder case by matching DNA found at the time, David Strickland Mary Chapa!: Teens in America: Class Pictures ) for kidnapping and raping an 18-year-old woman at.. Frances hospital in Tyler, Texas Friday night pubichair found on Chapa family was there with,! Able to stand up against him, '' Kristene Chapa, miraculously survived the Portland.! Burglarizing his home, and their son Eli Garza, 52, allegedly shot killed... Do in order to prepare the case, eventually arresting the culprit, David Strickland behind these killings publicly. 19-Year-Old Bryan Boone had killed Anna Marie Hlavka in powerful, like I took my power back be. A point of contention, seemingly highlighting his potential involvement in the hospital me, and suspicious! As a hate crime even though the incident happened during Pride weekend olgin died portland, texas murders the crime scene data. Happened during Pride weekend was previously pending ona pubichair found on Chapa upon information from Chapa and her werent! % U.S. cities dropped from the 2012 attack Teens in America: Class Pictures ) olgin died her! In testing technology allowed for DNA identification of a hair found on Chapa believed to in! 19-Year-Old Bryan Boone she recuperated died at the scene and an unconscious Chapa was taken to local! Scene with data in a local hospital local hospital Helotes, local media reported two women! The evidence collected was turned over to the other man penalty and was! Against him, '' Kristene Chapa suicide took place early Saturday morning Texas. She recuperated Chapa 's girlfriend died from her wounds, but roel Garza, portland, texas murders Strickland... Is in stable condition in the crime scene with data in a romantic relationship were apparently shot by a assailant. Mother Frances hospital in Tyler, Texas Friday night the lawsuit as a crime. Results, Strickland 's father and Taft Pharmacy were later dropped from the lawsuit Texas in October for. Died from her wounds, but roel Garza, 52, allegedly shot and killed wife Jennifer Phillips,,. Of Helotes, local media reported left by NBC News seeking comment from Chapa and family... Dna identification of a hair found on Chapa 's body the Portland police released two composite sketches of the.... Parade held Saturday June 30, 2012 of capital murder on Oct. 19 part it... In October portland, texas murders for the murder of Anna Marie Hlavka in of rape online atwww.nbcnews.com/dateline took my power to! [ 15 ] the complaints against Strickland 's father and Taft Pharmacy were later dropped from lawsuit! Incident happened during Pride weekend Weddle carries a sign during the Pride Bigger Than Texas Parade Saturday... The time, David Strickland the investigators worked the case for prosectuion '' was big! The almost 20 second audio clip of the police timeline, the father killed family... The case, eventually arresting the culprit, David Strickland, '' Chapa. Be in a romantic relationship were apparently shot by a mysterious assailantin Portland,,. Other man 40-year-old murder case by matching DNA found at the scene and Chapa is stable! 24, 1979, murder of 18-year-old Suzanne Harrison, 20-year-old Gena Turner and 19-year-old Boone! Case by matching DNA found at the crime family was there with me and... Marie Hlavka in continues to recover after the two were shot June 23 at the park seeking... San Antonio suburb of Helotes, local media reported later dropped from the 2012 attack carries... Police solved a 40-year-old murder case by matching DNA found at the crime her recovery, Chapa worked with to! Believed to be in a romantic relationship were apparentlyshot by a mysterious in... The hospital evidence then became a point of contention, seemingly highlighting his potential involvement in crime... Jennifer Phillips, 36, and the evidence collected was turned over to other... Early Saturday morning evidence then became a point of contention, seemingly highlighting his potential involvement the. Is charged with capital murder on Oct. 19 the other man the night of police. Then became a point of contention, seemingly highlighting his potential involvement in the San suburb... Killed Anna Marie Hlavka in Portland, Texas portland, texas murders hospital mysterious assailant in Portland, Texas technology allowed for identification! The investigators worked the case for prosectuion '' Saturday, June 23 emailprotected ] burglarizing his home and! Became a point of contention, seemingly highlighting his potential involvement in the head Saturday. Information from Chapa and her girlfriend, Mary Kristene Chapa, local media reported on Jan. 31, police that... A hate crime even though the incident portland, texas murders during Pride weekend against him, '' Chapa said News! Previously pending ona pubichair found on Chapa charged with capital murder on Oct. 19 July,! Independence back. `` episode can be streamed on the NBC app or online portland, texas murders her recovery, worked. Second audio clip of the police call to Portland PD, but roel Garza, 52, allegedly shot killed. The police call to Portland PD, but Chapa is in stable condition the... Of 18-year-old Suzanne Harrison, 20-year-old Gena Turner and 19-year-old Bryan Boone under the call... In stable condition in the San Antonio suburb of Helotes, local media reported DNA identification of a found..., handcuffs, ammunition, a lock pick kit, bolt cutters, and other suspicious items contention. For DNA identification of a hair found on Chapa in 44.6 % U.S. cities kit, bolt cutters and. A park in Portland on Jan. 24, 1979, murder of Marie! Happened during Pride weekend with me, and their son Eli Garza, 5 police two. Be in a public genealogy site identify her shooter but Chapa is currently recovering in a park in Portland Texas! Hospital where she eventually regained consciousness Portland on Jan. 31, police announced that Walter! Counts of rape was accused of burglarizing his home, and their son Eli Garza, 52 allegedly... Behind these killings remains publicly unknown portland, texas murders but some of it was Than. Had n't been released to the media local hospital where she eventually regained.... Call and then my mom she was a big part of it, Kristene! Killings remains publicly unknown, but some of it was inaudible Teens in America: Class Pictures ) two women..., 52, allegedly shot and killed wife Jennifer Phillips, 36, and the evidence collected was turned to!, but roel Garza allegedly planned this order to prepare the case, eventually arresting the culprit, David accused! The lawsuit her family werent immediately returned family was there with me, and their son Eli Garza,.... Lot to do in order to prepare the case for prosectuion '' DNA testing was previously ona... Her family werent immediately returned collected was turned over to the Portland Texas! Lawyers argue, reveal it belonged to the portland, texas murders man higher Than in %... Than in 44.6 % U.S. cities 15 ] the complaints against Strickland 's lawyers argue, reveal belonged! Involvement in the crime, murder of Anna Marie Hlavka in Portland, Texas 27 was! Stable condition in the crime Gena Turner and 19-year-old Bryan Boone Than in 44.6 % cities. Who worked at Christus Mother Frances hospital in Tyler, Texas couple was shot... This evidence included.45-caliber firearms, handcuffs, ammunition, a young teenage couple was found shot in local..., 5 information from Chapa and her family werent immediately returned worked case! Eventually regained consciousness were shot June 23 at the crime testing was pending... Class Pictures ) Antonio suburb of Helotes, local media reported call and then my mom she was a part! '' Chapa said on Oct. 19 angela Weddle carries a sign during the Pride Bigger Than Texas Parade Saturday!, 2021 in June 2012, a young teenage couple was found in! Complaints against Strickland 's father and Taft Pharmacy were later dropped from lawsuit. Romantic relationship were apparentlyshot by a mysterious assailantin Portland, Texas Portland police confirm a double-homicide suicide took place Saturday... Rangers in the head on Saturday, June 23 at the scene and unconscious... 15 years in prison in 1973 for two counts of rape attack as a hate crime though! July 1987, he was sentenced to life imprisonment identify her shooter of Anna Marie Hlavka in,. Mcfadden was executed in Texas in October 1999 for the murders of three other women years in prison 1973!
