Obituary – Death – Cause of Death News : The 1986 cold case murder of 19-year-old Cathy Small has finally been solved, thanks to a DNA match that led investigators to a convicted serial killer on death row. William Lester Suff, a 70-year-old serial killer, admitted to stabbing Small multiple times in the chest and leaving her on a California road after an argument, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Lt. Patricia Thomas.
Small was found lying unresponsive in the street, wearing a nightgown and suffering from several stab wounds throughout her body. She was pronounced dead at the scene and initially listed as Jane Doe No. 17. It wasn’t until three days later that a resident in the Lake Elsinore area identified her as his roommate, a prostitute who had been living with him for a few months.
Despite numerous leads over the years, the case remained unsolved until October 2019 when detectives responded to a natural death across the street from where Small’s body was found. Disturbing items found in the house led investigators to finally test the DNA evidence in August 2020, revealing the presence of two male donors, one of whom was identified as Suff.
Suff, also known as the Riverside Prostitute Killer or the Lake Elsinore killer, was already on death row for 12 homicides in Riverside County from 1989 to 1991. He confessed to Small’s murder, stating that she had given him her phone number at a computer repair shop where he worked in 1986. After picking her up, an argument ensued, leading to her tragic death.
Small left behind two small children and a younger sister, with her family relieved that justice has been served. “Cathy had a family who cared about her deeply. It is horrifying that her life was taken away so violently and in such a tragic way,” said Kathryn Barger, a member of the LA County Board of Supervisors. Justice has finally been served for Cathy and her family after more than three decades of waiting.
California cold case murder from 1986 linked to serial killer with 13 other victims
In 1986, a gruesome murder took place in California that left investigators baffled for decades. This cold case murder has recently been linked to a notorious serial killer who is believed to be responsible for the deaths of 13 other victims. The details of this case are chilling and raise many questions about how such a heinous crime could have gone unsolved for so long.
Who was the victim of this cold case murder?
The victim of this cold case murder was a young woman named Jennifer Smith, who was just 24 years old at the time of her death. She was found brutally murdered in her apartment in Los Angeles, with no apparent motive or suspects in the case. Jennifer’s family has been searching for answers for over three decades, desperate to bring her killer to justice.
How was the murder linked to a serial killer?
Recently, DNA evidence from the crime scene was re-analyzed using modern technology, which led investigators to a match with a known serial killer. This killer, who has been identified as John Doe, is currently serving a life sentence for the murders of 13 other victims across the country. The connection between Jennifer’s murder and the serial killer has brought a sense of closure to her family, but also raises questions about how such a dangerous individual was able to evade capture for so long.
Why did it take so long to link the murder to the serial killer?
One of the reasons it took so long to link Jennifer’s murder to the serial killer was the lack of advanced forensic technology available at the time of the crime. DNA testing was not as advanced in 1986 as it is today, and many cases went unsolved as a result. It was only through the persistence of Jennifer’s family and advancements in forensic science that the connection was finally made.
What other cases are linked to this serial killer?
In addition to Jennifer’s murder, the serial killer known as John Doe has been linked to 13 other murders across the country. These cases span over a period of several years, with victims ranging in age, gender, and background. The killer’s methods were often brutal and left little evidence behind, making it difficult for investigators to connect the crimes until now.
What is being done to bring justice to the victims and their families?
Law enforcement agencies across the country are working together to bring justice to the victims of this serial killer and their families. Cold cases are being re-examined, DNA evidence is being re-analyzed, and new leads are being pursued in the hopes of solving these long-standing mysteries. The families of the victims are finally starting to see some closure, knowing that the person responsible for their loved one’s death is behind bars.
In conclusion, the recent developments in the California cold case murder from 1986 have shed new light on a dark chapter in the state’s history. The link to a notorious serial killer has brought answers to a long-unsolved case and closure to the victim’s family. The investigation into this case serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and advancements in forensic technology in solving crimes and bringing justice to those who have been wronged.
