Monday, January 07, 2008
VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Homicide investigators have arrested 29-year-old Davey Mato Butorac in the murder of two prostitutes after finding DNA evidence in his car. Investigators are now trying to determine if Butorac is responsible for other murders. “We are looking at him linked to other homicides,” RCMP Cpl. Dale Carr, of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team, said during a press conference. “How many? It is so early to tell … There is a possibility of just about anything. We want to ensure we go through this very slowly and methodically and make sure we don't miss anything.” According to Carr, his department began investigating Butorac as a possible suspect last fall. “Investigators set up around-the-clock surveillance on the suspect to ensure public safety while they actively continued the investigation to gather additional evidence,” Carr said. In October, investigators obtained a search warrant for Butorac’s residence and his vehicle, a 1990 white Chevrolet Cavalier. DNA evidence found in the vehicle connected Butorac to the 2007 murders of Gwendolyn Jo Lawton and Sheryl Lynn Koroll. Following Butorac’s arrest, prosecutors charged him with two counts of second-degree murder. He is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 18.
DAYTONA BEACH, FL. – Police suspect a body found near the 1600 block of Hancock Boulevard last week may be the victim of a serial killer. According to Daytona Police Chief Michael Chitwood, there are obvious similarities between this murder and the killings of three prostitutes from 2006. “This is a sick, sadistic animal scumbag that's out there preying upon members of our community,” Chitwood told Myfoxorlando.com. The most recent victim has been identified as 30-year-old Stacy Gage, a known drug user. Stacy was last seen driving a 1998 white Plymouth Voyager. Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers at (888) 277-8477.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
BANGALORE, India – Last week investigators arrested a 43-year-old woman whom they suspect is India’s first known female serial killer. Since that time police have received several complaints about the suspect, including a report by one woman who claims that her sister was with the suspect when she went missing two years-ago. “[The suspect] has not disclosed some information. She has only disclosed information about six cases. Now, three more are missing. At some point, she may have to undergo brain mapping or polygraph or even narco analysis,” Joint Commissioner Gopal Hosur said in an interview with Ibnlive.com. According to police, the suspect, identified only as Mallika, used cyanide to murder at least six women.
HOLLYWOOD – Zodiac
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Investigators have exhumed the body of notorious serial killer Belle “the Black Widow” Gunness, so they can compare DNA from the body to cells from letters Gunness had sent to possible suitors. In 1908, the headless body of a woman was found in the basement of Gunness’ burned-out farmhouse. For nearly 100 years historians have speculated on whether the body was in fact Gunness or was part of an elaborate plan so she could escape undetected. “Gunness has got to be the most prolific female serial killer in history,” Andrea Simmons, the lead forensic researcher, said in an interview with Livescience.com. “She clearly killed 25 people, arguably 40, in less than a decade but we're not sure when she died. We're trying to put a lid on this case.” Simmons said if all goes well her lab should have the results by April. “I'm just waiting for the science to tell whether or not the body belongs to Belle,” Simmons said. “If she did die in that farmhouse fire, it raises a lot of questions of how it all happened. If not, we can say this serial killer fled in the night, faked her death and probably led a full life.”
Thursday, January 10, 2008
WICHITA, KS — A documentary film about the 1974 murder of the Otero family by BTK serial killer Dennis Rader is scheduled to premiere at the Orpheum Theatre on Feb. 25. According to Imdb.com, the film, “Feast of the Assumption: The Otero Family Murders” is about “a living victim's personal journey through one of the most unique serial killer cases in U.S. history.” Tickets for the film are $15 for adults and $10 for students. Surviving family member Charlie Otero is scheduled to make an appearance at the film’s debut.
Friday, January 11, 2008
New Westminster, British Columbia – Attorneys for convicted serial killer Robert Picton, 58, have filed an appeal against his recent murder convictions. In December, a jury found Pickton guilty on six counts of second-degree murder, in the deaths of Sereena Abotsway, 29; Mona Wilson, 26; Andrea Joesbury, 22; Brenda Wolfe, 30; Georgina Papin, 34, and Marnie Frey, 23. The following day, Justice James Williams sentenced Pickton to life in prison with no parole eligibility for 25 years. According to Pickton’s attorneys, the judge made several errors when he instructed the jury and allowed inadmissible evidence. The prosecution is also appealing, in an effort to make Pickton face a new trial on 26 counts of first-degree murder.
Trivia:
Last Week’s Question and Answer:
Q: What did the media nickname the killer couple Paul Bernardo and Karla HomolkaQ: What did the media nickname the killer couple Paul Bernardo and Karla Homolka?
A: Ken & Barbie
Christine MacDougall was the first person to send in the correct answer. Congratulations Christine! This week Christine asks readers:
What was the make and model of the vehicle most often associated with serial killer Ted Bundy?
The first person to send in the correct answer will have his or her name listed in next week’s edition of Serial Crimes and will have the opportunity to pose the next trivia question.
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