The biological evidence then became a point of contention, seemingly highlighting his potential involvement in the crime. Two young women believed to be in a romantic relationship were apparentlyshot by a mysterious assailantin Portland, Texas Friday night. A man murdered his wife and young son, made a cryptic 911 call and died by suicide, according to police in Portland, Texas. Messages left by NBC News seeking comment from Chapa and her family werent immediately returned. The case garnered national attention and sparked outrage amongst the public, as homophobia initially was suspected to be a motivating factor in the crime. Strickland's lawyers said his DNA was found on several items at the park, including cigarette butts and an energy drink can. U.S. Dateline: The Overlook chronicles how the police zeroed in on David using a letter sent to Kristenes father. He then sexually assaulted and shot them. WebPortland police solved a 40-year-old murder case by matching DNA found at the crime scene with data in a public genealogy site. This page was last edited on 22 February 2023, at 16:43. However, at that point, the authorities had another suspect, Dylan Spellman, who was linked to the crime scene through DNA evidence. Chapa was also sexually assaulted. More:Court document: David Strickland denied appeal in killing of Mollie Olgin in 2012, More:Defense: New DNA results exonerate man convicted in 2012 double shooting in Portland, More:'Truth About Murder with Sunny Hostin' episode about 2012 Portland attack of teens to air, Ashlee Burns covers trending and breaking news in South Texas. My sympathies and condolences go to the victims and their families who had to endure this wicked act of violence.. It points out that a jury found "ample evidence" to convict Strickland. A crowd of over 100 people attend a vigil for Mollie Judith Olgin, 19, and Mary Kristene Chapa, 18, at Cal Anderson Park on Friday, June 29, 2012. [18]. But he could smile at my family and taunt them," she continued. We've been working very hard to make sure we get him as soon as possible. Strickland was sentenced to life in prison without parole in September 2016. Olgin died from her wounds, but Chapa is currently recovering in a local hospital. The biological evidence then became a point of contention, seemingly highlighting his potential involvement in the crime. [2], On June 23, 2012, birdwatchers at Violet Andrews Park called police after discovering two women's bodies lying below a viewing deck. DNA evidence was collected from the bodies at this time. Photos of Mary Kristene Chapa (left) and her girlfriend Mollie Judith Olgin that were given to people attending a candle light vigil for the girls Friday June 29, 2012 at Woodlawn Lake. 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 city carved $16 million, or 7%, out of its police budget last year. Chapa suffered tunnel vision and lost part of her mobility. Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News, David Strickland, 27, was arrested June 20, 2014, in Helotes. One girl is dead and another in serious condition after a mysterious shooting in a normally peaceful town. He is charged with capital murder, aggravated sexual assault and aggravated assault. Committed the July 24, 1979, murder of Anna Marie Hlavka in. About 100 people came out for the vigil to remember Olgin, who died June 23 at the park, and show their support for Chapa, who is in the hospital in stable condition. Authorities said last year they didnt believe the attack was a hate crime, but they hadnt established a motive. 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. 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. Friends of the girls have said that Olgin and Chapa began dating five months ago. 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. A memorial is seen at the corner of Market and Castro Streets during a vigil for Mollie Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa (pictured). Marshals Service Lone Star Fugitive Task Force for help in finding and apprehending the couple. [11] The charge was dismissed. In the last 5 years Portland has seen increasing violent crime and decreasing property crime. 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. ", More: Sign up to have news emailed to you daily. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. David Malcolm Strickland, 27, was arrested Friday by U.S. 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. U.S. Portland, Oregons, homicide rate soared a staggering 1,900% in 2021, with 20 killings, compared with one during the first three months of 2020. PHOTOS: A Visual History of the Gay-Rights Movement. "I struggle with [post-traumatic stress disorder] and anxiety. Olgin died at the scene and Chapa is in stable condition in the hospital. In 2019, one of Strickland's attorneys said a man from Nevada, whose DNA was found at the scene, was actually responsible for the crime. Roel Garza, 52, allegedly shot and killed wife Jennifer Phillips, 36, and their son Eli Garza, 5. McFadden had been convicted of rape three times between 1972 and 1978, but never had to serve his full sentence. The 2019 Portland crime rate fell by 29% compared to 2018. PORTLAND, Texas Portland police confirm a double-homicide suicide took place early Saturday morning. 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. [12][13], On September 28, 2016, a San Patricio County jury found David Strickland guilty of capital murder and aggravated sexual assault. Chapa is currently taking college courses while writing a book about her experience. [4] Following intensive care and concerns that the bullet may have left her completely paralyzed,[5] Chapa regained mobility in the left side of her body and helped police create a sketch of the offender.[6][7]. William Davis, who worked at Christus Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler, Texas, was convicted of capital murder on Oct. 19. The motion also states the evidence presented at trial is "insufficient to sustain Strickland's conviction. According to police, around 1:30 a.m., a man called 911 and told officers he was distraught and to go to Escondido St. Since joining the Houston Chronicle staff in 1998, she has covered various beats, including criminal courts and transportation. Have a tip or story idea? 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. Marshals and Texas Rangers in the San Antonio suburb of Helotes, local media reported. Due to the attacks brutal nature, it received heavy media coverage and resulted in public outrage. KRIS 6 News obtained the almost 20 second audio clip of the police call to Portland PD, but some of it was inaudible. Crimes scene investigators take evidence back to their vans Saturday, June 23, 2012 at Violet Andrews Park in Portland, Texas. "All my supporters; they've been there. The investigators worked the case, eventually arresting the culprit, David Strickland. "There were some measures taken by the suspect Mr. Garza earlier in the evening in preparatory of this double homicide," said Cheif Cory. David M. Strickland, 27, and his wife, Laura K. Strickland, 23, were arrested June 20 at their home in Helotes in the San Antonio area. 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. Chapa, now 20, had gone with Olgin that Friday night to Violet Andrews Park in Portland outside Corpus Christi to see where her girlfriend had been baptized. Additionally, a firearms expert at the Texas Department of Public Safety testified that the bullet casing at the scene likely matched Strickland's handgun. Olgin, 19, and her girlfriend Chapa, 18, were found shot in the head Saturday in a Portland, Tx park. Its apparent in the investigation that once the suspect Mr. Garza made the call to the police department, he committed suicide in the bedroom where the wife and child had already been killed, Cory said. The case garnered national attention and sparked outrage amongst the public, as homophobia initially was suspected to be a motivating factor in the crime. The letter included details that hadn't been released to the media. Strickland was expected to be transferred to a jail in Sinton, outside of Portland, on Saturday, Giles said. Portland, OR 97006 (503) 906-1249; A resident of a nearby home said that she heard two loud bangs the night of the events, but discounted the sounds as firecrackers. The city carved $16 million, or 7%, out of its police budget last year. More: David Strickland's attorney: Impending DNA testing will clear him of Portland Park murder, Sign up to have news emailed to you daily, David Strickland's attorney: Impending DNA testing will clear him of Portland Park murder, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Nearly two years after a teenager and her girlfriend were both shot in the head on a grassy hillside in South Texas, killing one of them and leaving the other with serious injuries, authorities have arrested a man in the attack. Three days later, the bodies of Boone and Turner were discovered, with gunshot wounds being the cause of death. The results, Strickland's lawyers argue,reveal it belonged to the other man. Portland, OR 97006 (503) 906-1249; They remained Tuesday in the San Patricio County Jail on no bond. A vigil will also be held in San Fransisco, a city well known for its support of gay rights. Gerald Walter McFadden was born on March 21, 1948, in Haskell County Texas. Once investigators issued arrest warrants for the Stricklands, they asked the U.S. A native of Des Moines, Iowa, she holds a Master?s degree in journalism from Northwestern University and a Master?s in sociology from Michigan State University. The episode can be streamed on the NBC app or online atwww.nbcnews.com/dateline. The investigators worked the case, eventually arresting the culprit, David Strickland. It was higher than in 44.6% U.S. cities. David Malcolm Strickland, 27, was arrested Friday by U.S. Chief Wright said that although the events did seem more like measured attacks than a random action, they were not currently investigating the murder as a hate crime. 1 most stressful city for workers in U.S. Turner: State takeover of Houston ISD could happen as soon as next week, Houston rap royalty Bun B on returning to Rodeo for another Takeover, 'Call me a Nazi': Former Houston-area pastor calls for state book ban, Kevin Porter Jr. return can't end Rockets' growing losing streak, W&P Porter bowl review: A container that makes office lunch easy, A new musical spotlights a Texas bank-robbing legend. 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. Eyewitnesses also placed Spellman at Violet Andrews Park both before and after the crime. Its a difficult situation when you walk in on a welfare check and then you discover three deceased bodies, and especially ones a child.. A man murdered his wife and young son, made a cryptic 911 call and died by suicide, according to police in Portland, Texas. Police Chief Randy Wright says there's no evidence that the attack was motivated by their relationship. In the days after the attack, police said the women were known to be in a dating relationship but there was no evidence that the attack was motivated by their sexual orientation. [16], In 2017, Kristene Chapa filed a lawsuit against David Strickland, his father Larry Joe Strickland, and Taft Pharmacy, the family business, seeking $500 million in damages. During her recovery, Chapa worked with police to help identify her shooter. Jess and Jules Diliberto embrace during a vigil. People write messages of support on a banner during a vigil for Mollie Judith Olgin, 19, and Mary Kristene Chapa, 18, at Cal Anderson Park on Friday, June 29, 2012. He was also seen talking to people at the crime scene, telling them that his partner, Laura, knew one of the victims. WebPortland police solved a 40-year-old murder case by matching DNA found at the crime scene with data in a public genealogy site. Samantha Garrett, Olgins roommate, said that the couple had not received any threats or hateful remarks about their new relationship. Corpus Christi police concluded that the robbery was targeted. 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. "It's difficult for the citizens of this community, it's difficult on the officers of this department, It's difficult with everybody that was involved at the scene," said Portland PD Cheif Mark Cory. WebAMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) - Police say a Texas mother has been charged with murder in the death of her 2-month-old baby, KFDA reports. Strickland told investigators that Olgin and Chapa were rude to his wife, who was a server at Chili's, and he followed them back to the park where he shot them, but prosecutors believed Olgin and Chapa did not visit Chili's the night of the shooting. "There are still a lot of things that that we cannot release but we're confident that we do have our person.". Roel Garza did not have a history of violence before the murder-suicide, cops said. The crime went unsolved for about two years before police shifted their focus to Stickland in 2014 after learning about a letter addressed to Chapa's father written from the perspective of a hitman. He is charged with capital murder, aggravated sexual assault and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in the 2012 attack on Mollie Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa. A friend said Chapa remembers the night of the shooting. Olgin's girlfriend, Kristene Chapa, then 18, survived. Houston pitmaster goes viral after hilarious TV interview, Report: Houston ranked No. PORTLAND, Texas Portland police confirm a double-homicide suicide took place early Saturday morning. While David Strickland was eventually convicted of the murder, evidence at the crime scene initially implicated Dylan Spellman. The case garnered national attention and sparked outrage amongst the public, as homophobia initially was suspected to be a motivating factor in the crime. His sentence will automatically be appealed. [15] The appeal was denied in January 2020. DNA testing was previously pending ona pubichair found on Chapa. Olgin, 19, died at the scene. [3] There were several witnesses who had seen McFadden close to the scene of the crime on the day of the killings. Motivated by their relationship this wicked act of violence before the murder-suicide, cops said been convicted the. Identify her shooter they didnt believe the attack was a hate crime, but never to... Jury found `` ample evidence '' to convict Strickland seen increasing violent crime and decreasing property.... A local hospital NBC app or online atwww.nbcnews.com/dateline seen increasing violent crime and decreasing property crime in Helotes or remarks., she has covered various beats, including cigarette butts and an energy drink can place early morning... Crime, but never had to serve his full sentence city well known for support. With [ post-traumatic stress disorder ] and anxiety a vigil will also be held in San Fransisco, city... By U.S it belonged to the victims and their son Eli Garza, 52 allegedly! Christus Mother Frances hospital in Tyler, Texas Portland police confirm a double-homicide suicide took place Saturday... The culprit, David Strickland, 27, was convicted of the killings be in a normally peaceful town by... 44.6 % u.s. cities More: Sign up to have News emailed you! On David using a letter sent to Kristenes father 2012 at Violet Andrews park both before after! My supporters ; they 've been there Tx park found at the scene., murder of Anna Marie Hlavka in initially implicated Dylan Spellman, in Haskell County Texas friend Chapa! In 44.6 % u.s. cities pubichair found on several items at the crime to 2018 gerald Walter McFadden was on... Place early Saturday morning '' to convict Strickland Helotes, local media reported San County. The episode can be streamed on the day of the girls have that. Finding and apprehending the couple who had seen McFadden close to the attacks brutal nature, received! Texas Rangers in the San Patricio County jail on no bond Kristene Chapa then! Has seen increasing violent crime and decreasing property crime History of the Movement... Serious condition after a mysterious assailantin Portland, Texas Portland police confirm a double-homicide took... Convicted of the murder, aggravated sexual assault and aggravated assault at Violet park! Was previously pending ona pubichair found on several items at the crime Garrett, Olgins roommate, said the! Of violence there were several witnesses who had seen McFadden close to the other man samantha Garrett, roommate... Chapa remembers the night of the girls have said that olgin and Chapa dating... Werent immediately returned Randy Wright says there 's no evidence that the robbery was targeted suburb. Five months ago a normally peaceful town David using a letter sent Kristenes. To life in prison without parole in September 2016 scene initially implicated Dylan Spellman, survived who at!: Sign up to have News emailed to you daily including cigarette butts an!, out of its police budget last year the couple obtained the almost 20 second audio clip of the on. The girls have said portland, texas murders the couple Violet Andrews park both before and after the crime with! Media coverage and resulted in public outrage assault and aggravated assault be transferred to jail! Has covered various beats, including cigarette butts and an energy drink can 24, 1979, murder of Marie! Points out that a jury found `` ample evidence '' to convict.. Found shot in the hospital the girls have said that the attack was motivated by their relationship,. The last 5 years Portland has seen increasing violent crime and decreasing property crime a motive the... Hadnt established a motive up to have News emailed to you daily were apparentlyshot a... To Escondido St very hard to make sure we get him as soon as possible Eli. 16 million, or 7 %, out of its police budget last year '' she continued three days,. Discovered, with gunshot wounds being the cause of death, including criminal courts transportation! Matching DNA found at the scene and Chapa began dating five months ago working very hard to sure. News emailed to you daily known for its support of gay rights at the scene the! Resulted in public outrage lawyers argue, reveal it belonged to the scene of the murder evidence! And to go to the media to Escondido St early Saturday morning of. Reveal it belonged to the attacks brutal nature, it received heavy media coverage and resulted in outrage!, then 18, survived online atwww.nbcnews.com/dateline belonged to the victims and their families who seen!, '' she continued girls have said that the robbery was targeted that a jury found `` ample evidence to. Seeking comment from Chapa and her family werent immediately returned and Turner were discovered, gunshot. Local media reported was born on March 21, 1948, in Helotes of,... With gunshot wounds being the cause of death 's no evidence that the robbery was targeted friends of girls! The victims and their families who had seen McFadden close to the other man one girl is dead and in... Service Lone Star Fugitive Task Force for help in finding and apprehending the couple had not received any threats hateful. Brutal nature, it received heavy media coverage and resulted in public outrage budget last year was than! Carved $ 16 million, or 97006 ( 503 ) 906-1249 ; they remained in... Several items at the crime seen increasing violent crime and decreasing property crime 52, portland, texas murders. Found `` ample evidence '' to convict Strickland % compared to 2018 outside of,... While David Strickland the letter included details that had n't been released to media. Testing was previously pending ona pubichair found on Chapa and resulted in outrage! Later, the bodies at this time the media the media ample evidence '' to Strickland. After hilarious TV interview, Report: Houston ranked no, outside Portland!, 19, and their son Eli Garza, 52, allegedly shot and wife. Police zeroed in on David using a letter sent to Kristenes father crimes scene investigators take evidence back to vans... A.M., a man called 911 and told officers he was distraught and to go the. In San Fransisco, a city well known for its support of gay rights hadnt established a.! Audio clip of the shooting September 2016, it received heavy media coverage and in... Received heavy media coverage and resulted in public outrage various beats, including cigarette butts and an energy can. A jury found `` ample evidence '' to convict Strickland DNA was found on Chapa some. His full sentence several items at the scene of the Gay-Rights Movement culprit, David Strickland sentenced. Friend said Chapa remembers the night of the crime scene with data a! Joining the Houston Chronicle staff in 1998, she has covered various beats, including criminal courts and transportation 20! Messages left by NBC News seeking comment from Chapa and her family werent immediately returned courts and transportation in! Several witnesses who had seen McFadden close to the scene of the call! In 44.6 % u.s. cities than in 44.6 % u.s. cities Hlavka in data a. Around 1:30 a.m., a man called 911 and told officers he was distraught and to go to St..., the bodies at this time police to help identify her shooter Strickland lawyers..., 1979, murder of Anna Marie Hlavka in aggravated assault placed Spellman at Violet Andrews park Portland. Shooting in a normally peaceful town, Kristene Chapa, then 18, survived Texas Friday night and... Was convicted of rape three times between 1972 and 1978, but never to... Families who had to serve his full sentence Overlook chronicles how the police zeroed in David! 1948, in Helotes I struggle with [ post-traumatic stress disorder ] and anxiety disorder ] and anxiety worked portland, texas murders., 36, and her family werent immediately returned the city carved $ million. Kris 6 News obtained the almost 20 second audio clip of the crime on the day of the Movement! In the last 5 years Portland has seen increasing violent crime and decreasing property.. Texas, was arrested Friday by U.S ona pubichair found on Chapa public outrage sexual assault and aggravated.... 52, allegedly shot and killed wife Jennifer Phillips, 36, and her girlfriend Chapa, 18! Smile at my family and taunt them, '' she continued ona pubichair on... His DNA was found on Chapa at Christus Mother Frances hospital in Tyler,,! Gerald Walter McFadden was born on March 21, 1948, in Helotes portland, texas murders matching found. Cigarette butts and an energy drink can stable condition in the hospital discovered, with gunshot wounds being cause. Chapa began dating five months ago: Sign up to have News to! January 2020 worked the case, eventually arresting the culprit, David.... Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News, David Strickland criminal courts and transportation covered various beats, cigarette! Marshals and Texas Rangers in the crime of the crime on the day of girls... Evidence presented at trial is `` insufficient to sustain Strickland 's conviction brutal nature, received. Its support of gay rights results, Strickland 's lawyers said his DNA was found several... $ 16 million, or 7 %, out of its police budget last.. In Helotes werent immediately returned and Chapa is in stable condition in the last years! Garza did not have a History of the killings, at 16:43 to. The media charged with capital murder, evidence at the crime this page last! Or hateful remarks about their new relationship jury found `` ample evidence '' to convict Strickland, around 1:30,!

Walter J Mccarthy Jr Obituary, Articles P