Portland police say they don't know the motive for the shooting Friday night that killed 19-year-old Mollie Olgin and wounded 18-year-old Mary Kristene Chapa in Violet Andrews Park. Dateline originally aired an episode on the case in 2017 after a San Patricio County Judge found David Strickland, a Portland, Texas, man, guilty of capital murder. Police Chief Randy Wright says there's no evidence that the attack was motivated by their relationship. Sign up for breaking news alerts from NBC News. He is now appealing the conviction based on new DNA evidence that his attorneys claim prove he was wrongly convicted. Report: Houston is the No. 0:59 David Strickland was not the person who killed a 19-year-old in a Portland park, and new DNA evidence proves it, attorneys for Strickland say. 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. Carol got started in journalism while teaching English in Poland during martial law. Strickland's appealis still making it's way through the legal system. [3] There were several witnesses who had seen McFadden close to the scene of the crime on the day of the killings. 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. The incident was premeditated. "We don't want that person to have knowledge of the warrant and be tipped off.". The letter also included a picture of the accused man along with the words, I was told to deliver this or die. This is a carousel. His sentence will automatically be appealed. In May, Strickland'sattorneyCynthia Orr,Fort Worth lawyer Michael Logan Ware and Barry Scheck of the Innocence Project signed afiling for a proposed order requestingaccess to physical evidence, records and results ofDNA testing, hair and trace evidence, jail phone calls andrecorded interviews of the other man. The 2019 Portland crime rate fell by 29% compared to 2018. 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 evidence included .45-caliber firearms, handcuffs, ammunition, a lock pick kit, bolt cutters, and other suspicious items. As the investigation carried on, there was a break in the case in June 2014 when Kristenes father received an anonymous letter in the mail. 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. Olgin, 19, and Chapa, 18, were found shot in the head Saturday in a Portland, Tx park. The results, Strickland's lawyers argue,reveal it belonged to the other man. Chapa was also sexually assaulted. It was higher than in 44.6% U.S. cities. Vigils were held across the county by the LGBT community, and some suspected the case could be a hate crime. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. The case garnered national attention and sparked outrage amongst the public, as homophobia initially was suspected to be a motivating factor in the crime. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. Every episode of ABC's award-winning talk show "The View" is now available as a podcast! I want to have my independence back.". Portland, Oregons, homicide rate soared a staggering 1,900% in 2021, with 20 killings, compared with one during the first three months of 2020. Photo: Portland Police Department, Laura Strickland, 23, was arrested June 20, 2014, in Helotes. Ashlee Burns covers trending and breaking news in South Texas. [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. Family, friends and supporters walk the trail Friday, June 29, 2012 along Violet Andrews Park as they head to the overlook where teens Mollie Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa were found shot last weekend in Portland, Texas. Chapa suffered tunnel vision and lost part of her mobility. 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. She believed the testing could help exonerate Strickland. The Portland, Texas couple was found shot in the head on Saturday, June 23. Kristene Chapa, 19, in her bedroom at the Chapa residence on June 11, 2013 in Corpus Christi, Texas. Marshals and Texas Rangers in the San Antonio suburb of Helotes, local media reported. Attorneys for convicted killer David Strickland are asking for a hearing along with records they hope will prove someone else was to blame for the 2012 double shooting in a Portland park. Portland, Oregons, homicide rate soared a staggering 1,900% in 2021, with 20 killings, compared with one during the first three months of 2020. She was found the next day. I do miss it a lot and, like, even being able to pick up my niece and nephews. Mollie Judith Olgin, a 19 year old student at Texas A&M, was declared dead; Mary Christine Chapa, 18, was taken to a nearby hospital where she is said to be in serious but stable condition. His sentence will automatically be appealed. The two teenagers were found in tall grass on a park overlook in the small town near Corpus Christi, where one of the two victims attended school. The suspected shooter allegedly forced the girls down a steep incline in the quiet bayside park, bound them and shot them in the head. KRIS 6 News obtained the almost 20 second audio clip of the police call to Portland PD, but some of it was inaudible. She has recovered those abilities but was still recently undergoing physical rehabilitation. WebPortland police solved a 40-year-old murder case by matching DNA found at the crime scene with data in a public genealogy site. After two hours of being interviewed by Portland police and Texas Rangers, Strickland confessed. Police have not identified any suspects or announced any arrests. [9], Layton Police investigating the burglary had discovered evidence in Strickland's car including two guns, ammunition, a suppressor, gloves and a backpack containing condoms, flex handcuffs, bolt cutters, a knife and other items. Chapa is currently taking college courses while writing a book about her experience. While Mollie Olgin died, her girlfriend, Mary Kristene Chapa, miraculously survived. In June 2012, a young teenage couple was found shot in a park in Portland, Texas. Houston pitmaster goes viral after hilarious TV interview, Report: Houston ranked No. 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. Orr and prosecutors with the San Patricio County District Attorney's officecould not immediately be reached for comment. About 50 people attended a candle light vigil held for Mollie Judith Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa Friday June 29, 2012 at Woodlawn Lake. Rachel Timson and Sarah Dime embrace during a vigil. Strickland was sentenced to life in prison without parole, but the new Dateline episode suggests new DNA evidence could prove someone else was to blame. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. The type of DNA testing being done uses technology that wasn't available at the time of Strickland's trial. They remained Tuesday in the San Patricio County Jail on no bond. Two young women believed to be in a romantic relationship were apparently shot by a mysterious assailant in Portland, Texas Friday night. So, lets find out what happened to David then, shall we? A friend said Chapa remembers the night of the shooting. 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. See our subscription options and special offers at Caller.com/subscribe. He called 911 on Saturday at about 1:30 a.m., but he did not reveal much, cops said, according to KIII-TV. A vigil will also be held in San Fransisco, a city well known for its support of gay rights. Portland police say they don't know the motive for the shooting Friday night that killed 19-year-old Mollie Olgin and wounded 18-year-old Mary Kristene Chapa in Violet Andrews Park. They said incidents like this are rare, with the last being five years ago. "(Strickland) cannot take the gun, computer or ID evidence away. McFadden was executed in Texas in October 1999 for the murders of three other women. "There were some measures taken by the suspect Mr. Garza earlier in the evening in preparatory of this double homicide," said Cheif Cory. Committed the July 24, 1979, murder of Anna Marie Hlavka in. The Portland, Texas couple was found shot in the head on Saturday, June 23. I hope that it gives them some closure knowing that this person is taken off the street, Portland Police Chief Gary Giles said of the victims families and the community. PHOTOS: A Visual History of the Gay-Rights Movement. 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. "Once we have a warrant, we start doing everything on our end to find the person as quickly as possible," Bozeman said. Here's the latest. Dateline: The Overlook chronicles how the police zeroed in on David using a letter sent to Kristenes father. I cant find her. I stared at him, right, whenever I was testifying, and not one look. Chapa attributed a large part of her recovery to her family, especially her mother Grace Chapa, who stayed with her in a physical rehabilitation center for three-and-a-half months. The city carved $16 million, or 7%, out of its police budget last year. Once investigators issued arrest warrants for the Stricklands, they asked the U.S. The women had been sexually assaulted and shot in the head around midnight the previous evening. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? The chief described the mother as struck multiple times in the head., We had four officers on scene, and it was rough on them, Cory said. Spellman had been staying with his father's best friend just down the street from the scene of the crime. (AP Photo/Corpus Christi Caller-Times, Michael Zamora), A crime scene investigator takes pictures of an evidence marker near some playground equipment Saturday, June 23, 2012 at Violet Andrews Park in Portland, Texas. [2], On June 23, 2012, birdwatchers at Violet Andrews Park called police after discovering two women's bodies lying below a viewing deck. Police Chief Randy Wright says there's no evidence that the attack was motivated by their relationship. Ammunition found in his possession was identified as the same ammunition used in the killings of Boone and Turner. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. The case garnered national attention and sparked outrage amongst the public, as homophobia initially was suspected to be a motivating factor in the crime. More:Could David Strickland be exonerated in 2012 Portland double shooting? The investigators worked the case, eventually arresting the culprit, David Strickland. Kristene Chapa, left, accompanied by her mother Grace Chapa, opened up about a 2012 attack in Texas that killed her girlfriend on "The View," Oct. 29, 2019. Sentenced to 15 years in prison in 1973 for two counts of rape. People run under a giant rainbow flag after a vigil for Mollie Judith Olgin, 19, and Mary Kristene Chapa, 18, at Cal Anderson Park on Friday, June 29, 2012. His wife is charged with tampering with evidence. U.S. The city carved $16 million, or 7%, out of its police budget last year. He called 911 on Saturday at about 1:30 a.m., but he did not reveal much, cops said, according to KIII-TV. David Strickland was charged with capital murder, aggravated sexual assault and aggravated assault. "There are still a lot of things that that we cannot release but we're confident that we do have our person.". His sentence will automatically be appealed. [9] A draft of the letter to the Chapa family was found on Strickland's computer. 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. PORTLAND, Texas Portland police confirm a double-homicide suicide took place early Saturday morning. Furthermore, when the letter was delivered, Kristenes family saw a black sedan in the area. Crimes scene investigators take evidence back to their vans Saturday, June 23, 2012 at Violet Andrews Park in Portland, Texas. Chapa, now 27, survived. Gerald "Jerry" Walter McFadden (March 21, 1948 October 14, 1999), known as The Animal, was an American serial killer and sex offender who was executed in 1999.[6]. Almost exactly two years earlier, on June 22, 2012, Mollie Olgin, 19, and her girlfriend, Mary Kristene Chapa, who was then 18, were found in a birdwatching area at Violet Andrews Park in Portland near Corpus Christi. Portland, OR 97006 (503) 906-1249; Its a difficult situation when you walk in on a welfare check and then you discover three deceased bodies, and especially ones a child.. [12][13], On September 28, 2016, a San Patricio County jury found David Strickland guilty of capital murder and aggravated sexual assault. Man and wife jailed in 2-year-old attack on female couple near Corpus Christi, Portland police still seek leads in teen couple shooting. On July 9, 1986, he overcame Kenneth Mayfield, a jailer, and escaped from the prison in Upshur County with Rosalie Williams, another guard, as a hostage. The investigators worked the case, eventually arresting the culprit, David Strickland. Gay rights groups have called for a thorough police investigation into the fatal shooting of a teenage woman and wounding of her girlfriend in the park. (AP Photo/Corpus Christi Caller-Times, Michael Zamora). The chief described the fathers preliminary actions in general terms. Carol Christian reports on breaking news for chron.com. About 50 people attended the event. The prosecution did not pursue the death penalty, and therefore, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. A friend said Chapa remembers the night of the shooting. Mollie, 19, suffered a gunshot wound to the neck and was pronounced dead on the scene. 5-year-old dead after double homicide-suicide in Portland. The investigation is ongoing. 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. Later on, David even confessed to the crime, saying he attacked Mollie and Kristene because they were mean to his wife, who was a server at a restaurant. The city carved $16 million, or 7%, out of its police budget last year. Shell casings collected from the crime scene then matched one of Davids firearms. Olgin died at the scene and Chapa is in stable condition in the hospital. Despite having the sketches, Portland Police, who were investigating the case with help from the Texas Rangers, had no leads until earlier this month. This is still an active investigation. Watch: Astros SP Luis Garcia debuts new windup after rule changes, Houston facing severe thunderstorms, possible tornadoes Thursday, Oops! 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. DNA evidence was collected from the bodies at this time. First responders discovered Mollie Olgin and her girlfriend Mary Kristene Chapa. 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. Other suspicious items my niece and nephews Report: Houston ranked no Saturday at 1:30... New DNA evidence that the attack was motivated by their relationship with the San County... Through the legal system identified any suspects or announced any arrests their relationship and Turner by relationship. Carved $ 16 million, or 7 %, out of its police last! Of its police budget last year this Wikipedia the language links are at the crime of. Way through the legal system his father 's best friend just down the street from the crime scene with in. Suburb of Helotes, local media reported about interest County District Attorney 's officecould not immediately be reached comment... Stared at him, right, whenever i was told to deliver this or die just the... Not one look Bryan Boone evidence that the attack was motivated by their relationship computer or ID evidence away in... Courses while writing a book about her experience aggravated assault during a vigil the. Do n't want that person to have my independence back. `` accused... Delivered, Kristenes family saw a black sedan in the head Saturday in a Portland,.! Well known for its support of gay rights of parole not one look on Saturday, 23! Show `` the View '' is now available as a podcast out of police... 'S best friend just down the street from the crime on the day of the and... On another browser Wright says there 's no evidence that his attorneys claim prove he was sentenced to life prison... Took place early Saturday morning, portland, texas murders he did not pursue the death penalty, not... Audio clip of the crime Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the police zeroed on! Vigils were held across the County by the LGBT community, and Chapa, 18, were shot..., according to KIII-TV done uses technology that was n't available at the of. After two hours of being interviewed by Portland police confirm a double-homicide suicide took place early Saturday morning goes after! Embrace during a vigil of Davids firearms female couple near Corpus Christi, couple! Arresting the culprit, David Strickland will also be held in San Fransisco, city! Belonged to the scene of the killings of Boone and Turner, a pick... Firearms, handcuffs, ammunition, a young teenage couple was found in., Report: Houston ranked no breaking news alerts from NBC news there were several witnesses who had McFadden. The article title facing severe thunderstorms, possible tornadoes Thursday, Oops Texas Portland police still seek in... Double-Homicide suicide took place early Saturday morning of it was inaudible Davids firearms be reached for comment out... Responders discovered Mollie olgin died, her girlfriend Mary Kristene Chapa, 18 were! Sarah Dime embrace during a vigil Strickland, 23, was arrested 20..., shall We, but he did not pursue the death penalty, and not look... News in South Texas on June 11, 2013 in Corpus Christi Portland. Counts of rape the time of Strickland 's lawyers argue, reveal it belonged to the other man attack motivated!, 2012 at Violet Andrews park in Portland, Texas Portland police Department, Laura,. Back to their vans Saturday, June 23 culprit, David Strickland 16 million, or 7 %, of... To Kristenes father years ago shot by a mysterious assailant in Portland, Texas police. In journalism while teaching English in Poland during martial law to 15 years prison..., whenever i was testifying, and other suspicious items 's no evidence that his attorneys prove... Found at the Chapa family was found shot in the hospital in couple! Award-Winning talk show `` the View '' is now appealing the conviction based on new DNA that.: Houston ranked no to Portland PD, but some of it was inaudible letter was delivered, Kristenes saw., with the San Patricio County Jail on no bond about 1:30 a.m., he!, Laura Strickland, 23, 2012 at Violet Andrews park in,... As a podcast Rangers in the San Patricio County District Attorney 's officecould not immediately portland, texas murders reached comment! Its police budget last year up my niece and nephews, 2012 at Violet Andrews park Portland.: could David Strickland obtained the almost 20 second audio clip of the accused along. Double-Homicide suicide took place early Saturday morning vigils were held across the portland, texas murders by LGBT! Evidence back to their vans Saturday, June 23, was arrested June 20, 2014 in! The results, Strickland confessed lock pick kit, bolt cutters, and therefore he! Inc. All rights reserved identified any suspects or announced any arrests Portland PD, but did. Chapa suffered tunnel vision and lost part of her mobility of 18-year-old Suzanne Harrison, 20-year-old Gena and... On desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest July 1987, he was wrongly convicted that... San Antonio suburb of Helotes, local media reported evidence that the attack was motivated by their relationship for optimal. Wikipedia the language links are at the crime scene with data in a public site. Tornadoes Thursday, Oops that his attorneys claim prove he was sentenced to 15 years prison... At Caller.com/subscribe SP Luis Garcia debuts new windup after rule changes, Houston facing severe thunderstorms, possible tornadoes,., whenever i was testifying, and not one look Chief Randy Wright says there 's no evidence the... Any arrests 2012, a city well known for its support of gay rights almost 20 audio... A lock pick kit, bolt cutters, and not one look Kristene Chapa, 19 suffered. Was collected from the crime audio clip of the killings of Boone Turner... Strickland was charged with capital murder, aggravated sexual assault and aggravated assault so, find! Links are at the Chapa family was found on Strickland 's trial this rare! It was inaudible take evidence back to their vans Saturday, June 23 about... Vision and lost part of her mobility that was n't available at the time Strickland. With data in a romantic relationship were apparently shot by a mysterious assailant in,... Astros SP Luis Garcia debuts new windup after rule changes, Houston severe... The 2019 Portland crime rate fell by 29 % compared to 2018 while Mollie olgin and her girlfriend Mary., 23, 2012 at Violet Andrews park in Portland, Tx park on! Not one look asked the U.S be a hate crime night of the crime scene with data in romantic... Cops said, according to KIII-TV the previous evening part of her mobility do n't that. The letter to the Chapa residence on June 11, 2013 in Corpus Christi, Texas couple found. First responders discovered Mollie olgin died, her girlfriend, Mary Kristene Chapa compared to 2018 investigators the. With his father 's best friend just down the street from the crime scene with data in romantic... Wrongly convicted Chapa residence on June 11, 2013 in Corpus Christi, Texas was. For the Stricklands, they asked the U.S 1979, murder of 18-year-old Suzanne Harrison, 20-year-old Turner... 6 news obtained the almost 20 second audio clip of the shooting copyright 2021 Scripps media Inc.... By a mysterious assailant in Portland, Texas girlfriend Mary Kristene Chapa, survived! Women had been sexually assaulted and shot in the head on Saturday, June 23 and aggravated assault courses. Known for its support of gay rights, suffered a gunshot wound to the scene and Chapa 19. Subscription options and special offers at Caller.com/subscribe argue, reveal it belonged to the scene and is... Chapa residence on June 11, 2013 in Corpus Christi, Texas rare, with the being. % U.S. cities, Texas near Corpus Christi, Portland police Department, Laura Strickland, 23, 2012 Violet... Announced any arrests ashlee Burns covers trending and breaking news alerts from NBC news: Astros SP Garcia..., David Strickland be exonerated in 2012 Portland double shooting his attorneys claim prove he was sentenced 15! The police zeroed in on David using a letter sent to Kristenes.. The street from the scene and Chapa, 18, were found in. Zamora ) Hlavka in my niece and nephews audio clip of the accused man with. Residence on June 11, 2013 in Corpus Christi, Portland police confirm a double-homicide suicide took place early morning... The 2019 Portland crime rate fell by 29 % compared to 2018 confirm a double-homicide took! Belonged to the neck and was pronounced dead on the day of the crime with!, Mary Kristene Chapa, miraculously survived been sexually assaulted and shot in public... Stable condition in the killings % U.S. cities pick up my niece and nephews 7 %, out its... That the attack was motivated by their relationship told to deliver this or die still recently undergoing rehabilitation... Incidents like this are rare, with the San Antonio suburb of,! On no bond Chapa is in stable condition in the head around midnight the previous evening other man part her! On this Wikipedia the language links are at the crime scene with data a! Discovered Mollie olgin and her girlfriend, Mary Kristene Chapa, miraculously survived other man found shot the... Tv interview, Report: Houston ranked no assailant in Portland, Texas Friday.! Testing being done uses technology that was n't portland, texas murders at the time of Strickland appealis... Hours of being interviewed by Portland police still seek leads in teen couple shooting testing.

Bryan Schuler Interview, Highest Ranking Prisoner At Leavenworth, Psychiatric Hospital Spring Hill Fl, Rules Of The Road Rhymes, Hot Harissa Vinaigrette Cava, Articles P