Murder Spree | DOUBLE EPISODE | The FBI Files
The FBI Files・60 minutes read
A series of gruesome murders involving bound victims linked by red carpet fibers led to the identification and arrest of Robert Joe Long, who confessed to multiple killings targeting prostitutes. Another killer, Christopher Wilder, whose spree across multiple states culminated in his own death after a violent encounter with police in New Hampshire.
Insights
- The meticulous analysis of evidence, including tire tracks, fibers, and knife profiles, played a crucial role in identifying and capturing the serial killer, Robert Joe Long, who targeted prostitutes in a distinct pattern of violence.
- The collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies, such as the Major Crimes unit and the FBI, were essential in tracking down and bringing Long to justice, showcasing the significance of teamwork and coordination in solving complex criminal cases.
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Recent questions
Who was the first victim found in Tampa, Florida?
Lana Long
What was the killer's signature method of murder?
Strangulation and ligatures
How was the killer identified by investigators?
Through tire impressions and unique fibers
What led to the killer's eventual arrest?
Surveillance and meticulous planning
How did the killer's reign of terror come to an end?
Shot by police in New Hampshire
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Summary
00:00
"1984 Tampa Serial Killer Case Unraveled"
- Two boys in 1984 near Tampa, Florida, found a nude woman's body with bound wrists and a rope around her neck, indicating a deliberate pose.
- Major Gary Terry, head of the Hillsborough County Major Crimes unit, noted the unique spread-legged position of the body, suggesting a deliberate shock tactic by the killer.
- Crime scene technicians collected evidence like tire tracks and cloth near the body, which were sent to the FBI lab for analysis.
- The victim, Lana Long, was identified through fingerprints as a 20-year-old exotic dancer, leading to her boyfriend initially being a suspect.
- A second victim, Michelle Sims, was found bound and murdered in a similar manner, with red trilobal carpet fibers linking the two cases.
- FBI analysis of tire impressions and fibers from both crime scenes pointed to a mid-sized vehicle with reversed tires and a unique Vogue tire, aiding in the killer's identification.
- The killer's knife with a three-inch blade and physical evidence profiles helped establish a pattern, leading to the realization of a serial killer targeting prostitutes.
- Detective Randy Latimer's efforts to warn and gather information from prostitutes in the area proved challenging due to lack of leads.
- A third victim, Elizabeth Ludenback, initially seemed unrelated due to being fully clothed and lacking ligatures, but red carpet fibers tied her case to the serial killer.
- The fourth victim, Chanel Devon Williams, was found shot and raped, breaking the pattern of strangulation and ligatures, but still linked through red fibers and a brown Caucasian hair.
22:13
Chanel Killer: Hunt for the Truth
- Chanel was added to the map near the Pasco Hillsborough County Line with four dead, leading detectives to intensify their search for the Killer.
- The first series of bodies were discovered on Sundays, creating an eerie pattern for the investigators.
- Karen Dinsfriend, a 28-year-old drug-ravaged prostitute, was found bound, raped, strangled, and dragged through the dirt near Lake Thonotosassa.
- Red trilobal carpet fibers found on Karen's body linked her murder to the previous cases, indicating a single killer.
- Lisa McVay, abducted and raped, memorized details about her abductor, leading to the identification of matching red fibers on her sweater.
- The Killer's pace escalated with the discovery of more victims, including Ginny Johnson and Kim Marie Swan, bringing the body count to eight.
- Robert Joe Long, identified by Lisa McVay, was put under surveillance, leading to his arrest at a movie theater.
- Long's car was seized, and fibers from it were analyzed, confirming his connection to the crimes.
- Long confessed to the rape of Lisa McVay and eventually admitted to the murders after initial denials.
- The task force's meticulous planning and collaboration with the FBI led to Long's arrest and the resolution of the case.
43:03
Serial Killer Long: Fiber Evidence Solves Cases
- FBI fiber expert examined carpet from Long's car, compared it to others
- Comparison microscope revealed a match in carpet fibers from different homicide scenes
- Terry informed Latimer of the significant fiber match and Long's confession
- Long admitted to killing multiple girls, describing each murder in detail
- Long confessed to a ninth murder, leading to the identification of Vicki Elliott
- Kimberly Hopps, known as Sugar, was identified as Long's sixth victim
- Long was arrested and charged with 10 homicides across various locations
- Detective Troy discovered Long's connection to past rapes through evidence in his apartment
- Long was linked to the classified ad rapes, keeping photos and trophies of his victims
- Long received multiple life sentences and a death sentence for his crimes, remaining on death row
01:05:30
Elusive Killer Wilder Leaves FBI Frustrated
- FBI agents descended on Wilder's house, but he had already fled, leaving no fingerprints behind.
- Wilder was suspected of abducting and killing women, with two missing and one barely escaping.
- Despite searches in Miami and West Palm Beach, Wilder remained elusive.
- A utility repairman found Teresa Ferguson's body in a shallow Creek, beaten to death.
- Wilder was spotted at a bank in Tampa, emptying his accounts of $19,000 before heading to Texas.
- In Texas, Wilder approached Terry Walden, a nursing student, but she declined his modeling offer.
- Wilder later attacked and killed Walden, leaving her body in a canal.
- FBI teletypes were inundated with information on Wilder's movements, causing delays in tracking him.
- Wilder continued his spree, abducting and killing Suzanne Logan near Oklahoma City.
- Wilder's capture was almost successful in Rifle, Colorado, but he had already fled, leaving the FBI frustrated.
01:29:17
Serial Killer Christopher Wilder's Reign of Terror
- Wilder, posing as a store manager, lured Donette and her friend to his car, where he drew a pistol and kidnapped them.
- Despite being directed east by the FBI, Wilder refused to release Tina Marie, torturing and raping her in front of Donette.
- Tina Marie managed to escape after being left in a wooded area by Wilder, who had stabbed her twice and left her for dead.
- Wilder killed a carjacking victim, Beth Dodge, but spared Tina Marie, driving her to the airport and giving her money for a ticket home.
- Wilder's reign of terror ended when he was shot by police in New Hampshire, with his tenth victim being himself.
