FL FL - Laralee Spear, 15, DeLand, 25 April 1994

[los2188]

Laralee Spear


On April 25, 1994, 15-year-old Laralee Spear was reported missing after she failed to arrive home from DeLand High School in DeLand, Florida. At 3:15 p.m., Laralee Spear gets off her school bus at South Spring Garden Avenue. The petite, friendly cheerleader begins walking home along Deerfoot Road. When Laralee didn't come home about 30 minutes later, Barbara Spear, Laralee's mother contacted police and reported her missing. Her mother's instinct told her something was not right. She knew her daughter and knew she would never run away.

After about an hour and a half of law enforcement looking for Laralee , a chill went down the spine of her mother. She knew her daughter had been found dead. Her body was spotted by a police helicopter in a secluded area lying on the back-yard patio of a burned-out house on Deerfoot Road. She had been murdered by multiple gunshots only a quarter-mile from where Laralee vanished. It wasn't the first time this vacant house was a crime-scene. About one year prior, the house had been burned down which leads to the belief that the unknown killer(s) was familiar with the area. Teenagers often used the place for drug parties. There’s also an old railroad trestle nearby.

Witnesses from the neighborhood informed cops that they saw a black low-rider truck speeding away from the area at about the time the Laralee disappeared.

Laralee's hands are tied. Much of her clothing is missing. Blood pooled beneath her. It seemed obvious to authorities that someone abducted Laralee, attempted to sexually assault her, and shot her multiple times in the back of the head. She may have been beaten as well.

In the following days, some of Laralee’s clothes are found scattered alongside Deerfoot Road. It was if the killer had discarded them as he drove away. A profile of the killer was made. He would be young, possibly a teenager. The killer may have a new handgun that he was obsessed with. He probably talks of the murder often. He has anger issues and is inexperienced with murders.He may have kidnapped Laralee and attempted to rape her. When she fought back, he shot her and fled.

20 years later, the case remains unsolved. Anyone with information is asked to contact investigator Chuck Lee at 386-254-1535 or Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida at (888) 277-TIPS.

http://www.beacononlinenews.com/news/daily/6272
http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1994-10-29/news/9410290594_1_laralee-spear-deland

 

[My3LilKittens]

I don't see any updates on this case. The only article of interest that features a couple of interesting comments - - http://kidnappingmurderandmayhem.blogspot.ca/2010/10/justice-for-laralee.html

This all happened in a span of 90 minutes. I have a hard time seeing a "young, inexperienced teenager" pulling this off alone. It has been 24 years, but all they need is that right piece of evidence!

Someone ALWAYS knows......

 

[dotr]

Excellent photos at link, one in particular is unusual- it shows a book opened to a picture of angels in the burned out house in which Laralee's body was found.

https://www.news-journalonline.com/photogallery/LK/20190509/NEWS/509009990/PH/1
"PHOTOS: Cold Case of Laralee Spear’s Killing
May 9, 2019 at 10:43 am
April 26 was the 25th anniversary of the slaying of Laralee Spear. She was a 15-year-old DeLand High School student who got off her school bus on South Spring Garden Avenue and started walking home on Deerfront Road in DeLand. She never made it."
[3/23]
"A charred book open to a page with angels on it lays on some debris at the back of a burned house off of Deerfoot Road in DeLand where the body of Laralee Spear was found after she had been murdered in 1994. This photo was taken April 20, 1995, a year after the killing. [News-Journal/Kelly Jordan]"

 

[dotr]

Sun Crime State podcast: Who Killed Laralee Spear?
Apr 29, 2019
"Daytona Beach police announce the arrest of a suspected serial rapist linked to 7 cases and cold case investigators discuss the unsolved murder of 15-year-old Laralee Spear, who was murdered moments after getting off the bus down the road from her DeLand-area home. The investigation has continued for 25 years.

Special guests: Volusia County Sheriff’s Sgt. A.J. Pagliari, Detective Steve White, cold case investigator Ralph Henshaw and retired DeLand police captain Pete Moon

Each week, News-Journal crime writer Tony Holt takes a look at the latest crime news in Florida and takes a deep dive into some of the state’s biggest crime stories of the past."

 

[dotr]

May 9 2019 rbbm.
By Tony Holt
Cold case murder of Laralee Spear, 15, perplexes detectives 25 years later

"More than 1,000 leads were called in during that first month after the murder. The case still wound up cold."
"Detectives were told by the girl’s mother that it was out of character for her to wander off by herself. If she took any additional time to walk home, it was only to spend a few extra minutes to get a closer look at her neighbor’s horses. The Sheriff’s Office concluded early in the investigation that someone attacked Laralee Spear during her walk — when she was out of sight from the Spring Garden intersection.

It was estimated by one of the detectives working on the case that she had walked 200 yards before encountering her killer. He also concluded Spear was dead within 25 minutes from when she got off the bus."
"Laralee Spear was an elite student. She was a cheerleader and a member of the Keyettes, a school service organization. She sang in her church choir and played piano. She was known to be a wholesome girl. She had a reputation for being punctual. Her principal called her a model student."

"Any forthcoming break in the case, according to the Sheriff’s Office, would likely come from the forensic side. Any future advances in forensic technology could be beneficial to the investigation. Pagliari declined to be more specific."

Anyone with information about the Laralee Spear murder case is urged to call the Cold Case Unit at 386-254-1535."

 

[AmandaRose]

I don't see any updates on this case. The only article of interest that features a couple of interesting comments - - Kidnapping, Murder, and Mayhem: Justice for Laralee

This all happened in a span of 90 minutes. I have a hard time seeing a "young, inexperienced teenager" pulling this off alone. It has been 24 years, but all they need is that right piece of evidence!

Someone ALWAYS knows......

May 9 2019 rbbm.
By Tony Holt
Cold case murder of Laralee Spear, 15, perplexes detectives 25 years later

"More than 1,000 leads were called in during that first month after the murder. The case still wound up cold."
"Detectives were told by the girl’s mother that it was out of character for her to wander off by herself. If she took any additional time to walk home, it was only to spend a few extra minutes to get a closer look at her neighbor’s horses. The Sheriff’s Office concluded early in the investigation that someone attacked Laralee Spear during her walk — when she was out of sight from the Spring Garden intersection.

It was estimated by one of the detectives working on the case that she had walked 200 yards before encountering her killer. He also concluded Spear was dead within 25 minutes from when she got off the bus."
"Laralee Spear was an elite student. She was a cheerleader and a member of the Keyettes, a school service organization. She sang in her church choir and played piano. She was known to be a wholesome girl. She had a reputation for being punctual. Her principal called her a model student."

"Any forthcoming break in the case, according to the Sheriff’s Office, would likely come from the forensic side. Any future advances in forensic technology could be beneficial to the investigation. Pagliari declined to be more specific."

Anyone with information about the Laralee Spear murder case is urged to call the Cold Case Unit at 386-254-1535."

May 9 2019 rbbm.
By Tony Holt
Cold case murder of Laralee Spear, 15, perplexes detectives 25 years later

"More than 1,000 leads were called in during that first month after the murder. The case still wound up cold."
"Detectives were told by the girl’s mother that it was out of character for her to wander off by herself. If she took any additional time to walk home, it was only to spend a few extra minutes to get a closer look at her neighbor’s horses. The Sheriff’s Office concluded early in the investigation that someone attacked Laralee Spear during her walk — when she was out of sight from the Spring Garden intersection.

It was estimated by one of the detectives working on the case that she had walked 200 yards before encountering her killer. He also concluded Spear was dead within 25 minutes from when she got off the bus."
"Laralee Spear was an elite student. She was a cheerleader and a member of the Keyettes, a school service organization. She sang in her church choir and played piano. She was known to be a wholesome girl. She had a reputation for being punctual. Her principal called her a model student."

"Any forthcoming break in the case, according to the Sheriff’s Office, would likely come from the forensic side. Any future advances in forensic technology could be beneficial to the investigation. Pagliari declined to be more specific."

Anyone with information about the Laralee Spear murder case is urged to call the Cold Case Unit at 386-254-1535."

I know that I would like to see the animal who killed my classmate be brought justice. I still think of her from time to time.

 

[dotr]

NEW VIDEO.

April 25 2021
‘Clear your conscience:’ Sheriff’s office offers $50,000 reward for information in 1994 Volusia cold case
‘Clear your conscience:’ Sheriff’s office offers $50,000 reward for information in 1994 Volusia cold case''
''VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – Sunday marks 27 years since a 15-year-old DeLand student was found murdered, and the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office is upping the reward for information that could lead to an arrest.

Investigators said 15-year-old Laralee Spear, a DeLand High School student, was sexually assaulted and killed shortly after getting off her school bus on April 25, 1994. She was found just 200 yards from her home on Deerfoot Road outside DeLand.''

“We do have forensic evidence there that as time goes by, DNA improves, the technology improves but there are people who know who that was, too,” Chitwood said in March.''

 

[PaulaDC]

I've been driving this road (Deerfoot) weekly since the early 90's. I always think of her when I look over to her street. I'm hoping this case is solved with this offer by generating new information.

 

[PayrollNerd]

That is a chunk of money. I hope someone talks. I hope DNA and maybe even genetic genealogy can nail this monster.

 

[RookieInvestigator]

This is a sad case. I wonder if LE can obtain Touch DNA fron her discarded clothing?

 

[CastlesBurning]

Who killed Laralee Spear? 27-year-old cold case murder continues to haunt DeLand

 

[Kell1]

The offender has probably has alrady been interviewed already, theres just something that isn't connecting them to it yet.

We usually get that within the first 7 days of the investigation

Male (usually white, but that is changing)
Most abduction killers of kids are in their late 20s to mid 30's , this offender could be younger however, possibly late teens, to early 20's
Possibly an acquaintance but most likely unknown to the victim.
He most likely lives or has a job nearby, or he travels that route with some regularity
The motive is almost always sexual
They are usually employed on some unskilled, or semi skilled construction job, if they are employed at all at that time
Victim is usually targeted for no other reason than being alone.
Will almost certainly have some past issues with the law
Very familiar with the site where she was found, you don't take a victim to a place to rape and shoot them if youre not comfortable there.
Post offense would've had an overbearing interest in the case, he may have talked or even bragged about it to someone.

Id be very interested in the nature of the bindings, (rope, zip ties, duct tape ) etc...

-What I find most telling is that the reports say she was "molested" but not raped, and they feel she fought back therefore the killer escalated his level of violence.

Im not sure i completely agree with that, and ill explain why , but that gives us something to look at and tells us something about her killer.

The motivational factors for rape fall into 2 categories , Power, and Anger. From there both categories break into 2 subcategories

Power rape is the attempt to establish or reestablish power through rape or sexual assault , likewise Anger rape is the attempt to express anger thorough rape or sexual assault.

Power (Reassurance/Assertive)
Anger (Retaliatory/Excitation)

Again like all human behavior these are viewed along a continuum, and no behaviors will fit nicely into a little box, therefore some will overlap into another, but for explanation purposes, well use categories.

Barring any evidence to look at theres 2 ways to look at the murder of the victim ,

1) She was killed because she fought back -or-
2) She was killed because the offender was frustrated and angry he couldn't perform the act

The offender was able to abduct, bind and molest the victim sexually , he was able to get her to that location undetected mid day, with no witnesses, but he was not able complete the rape , if indeed it was because the victim fought back, I don't think you'd see that level of overkill.

I feel you'd see an escalating level of violence to force victim compliance, something like slow manual strangulation, but not beating and then multiple gunshots.

Beating then shooting a victim multiple times in an attempt to rape , seems to indicate not only a loss of power but more so anger, primarily if the victim was bound.

The inability to enact any form penetrative rape on the victim is also telling, you may be looking at some type of sexual issue that the offender is uncomfortable with, it could've been been temporary inability to perform the rape due to stress, or an enduring sexual issue the offender has. Sometimes they may substitute penile rape by using an object.

But either way I feel its something he is uncomfortable with and probably embarrassed about.

When you look at a sex crime you look at it as if the victim were a blank canvas, and then look at what the offender did to them.

The weapon selection also tells us something about the offender, you have a male, who cannot complete a the rape of a bound victim in an area hes selected, and comfortable with and his choice of weapon is a firearm, why?

Because that's what gives him power, hes literally nothing without it , he lacks the physical strength to manually force victim compliance, he cant even rape a victim, who's aloe in a secluded area , bound, and beaten.... when she fights back its not only an insult to his fragile masculinity, but it also highlites his sexual inability, therefore he molests the victim, beats the victim then his anger frustration and embarrassment spills out in the form of a highly lethal manner, multiple gunshots to the victims head.

Shes simply left where she died, which displays callous indifference to the victim, telling me he most likely didnt know her, she was simply something to act out his anger on .

There seems to be a mixed presentation with this case, in terms of behavior, the offense seems planned though not well unlike most child abductions that are not planned at all.

Id personally would like to know what type of bindings were used , which would indicate the offenders level of planning , was this something he had on hand, like shoelaces, or was it something he brought with the intention to commit the crime. as this an impulsive act, or a pre-planned rape gone wrong, or planned rape/murder?

Without more evidence its impossible to render which .

 

[PaulaDC]

The offender has probably has alrady been interviewed already, theres just something that isn't connecting them to it yet.

We usually get that within the first 7 days of the investigation

Male (usually white, but that is changing)
Most abduction killers of kids are in their late 20s to mid 30's , this offender could be younger however, possibly late teens, to early 20's
Possibly an acquaintance but most likely unknown to the victim.
He most likely lives or has a job nearby, or he travels that route with some regularity
The motive is almost always sexual
They are usually employed on some unskilled, or semi skilled construction job, if they are employed at all at that time
Victim is usually targeted for no other reason than being alone.
Will almost certainly have some past issues with the law
Very familiar with the site where she was found, you don't take a victim to a place to rape and shoot them if youre not comfortable there.
Post offense would've had an overbearing interest in the case, he may have talked or even bragged about it to someone.

Id be very interested in the nature of the bindings, (rope, zip ties, duct tape ) etc...

-What I find most telling is that the reports say she was "molested" but not raped, and they feel she fought back therefore the killer escalated his level of violence.

Im not sure i completely agree with that, and ill explain why , but that gives us something to look at and tells us something about her killer.

The motivational factors for rape fall into 2 categories , Power, and Anger. From there both categories break into 2 subcategories

Power rape is the attempt to establish or reestablish power through rape or sexual assault , likewise Anger rape is the attempt to express anger thorough rape or sexual assault.

Power (Reassurance/Assertive)
Anger (Retaliatory/Excitation)

Again like all human behavior these are viewed along a continuum, and no behaviors will fit nicely into a little box, therefore some will overlap into another, but for explanation purposes, well use categories.

Barring any evidence to look at theres 2 ways to look at the murder of the victim ,

1) She was killed because she fought back -or-
2) She was killed because the offender was frustrated and angry he couldn't perform the act

The offender was able to abduct, bind and molest the victim sexually , he was able to get her to that location undetected mid day, with no witnesses, but he was not able complete the rape , if indeed it was because the victim fought back, I don't think you'd see that level of overkill.

I feel you'd see an escalating level of violence to force victim compliance, something like slow manual strangulation, but not beating and then multiple gunshots.

Beating then shooting a victim multiple times in an attempt to rape , seems to indicate not only a loss of power but more so anger, primarily if the victim was bound.

The inability to enact any form penetrative rape on the victim is also telling, you may be looking at some type of sexual issue that the offender is uncomfortable with, it could've been been temporary inability to perform the rape due to stress, or an enduring sexual issue the offender has. Sometimes they may substitute penile rape by using an object.

But either way I feel its something he is uncomfortable with and probably embarrassed about.

When you look at a sex crime you look at it as if the victim were a blank canvas, and then look at what the offender did to them.

The weapon selection also tells us something about the offender, you have a male, who cannot complete a the rape of a bound victim in an area hes selected, and comfortable with and his choice of weapon is a firearm, why?

Because that's what gives him power, hes literally nothing without it , he lacks the physical strength to manually force victim compliance, he cant even rape a victim, who's aloe in a secluded area , bound, and beaten.... when she fights back its not only an insult to his fragile masculinity, but it also highlites his sexual inability, therefore he molests the victim, beats the victim then his anger frustration and embarrassment spills out in the form of a highly lethal manner, multiple gunshots to the victims head.

Shes simply left where she died, which displays callous indifference to the victim, telling me he most likely didnt know her, she was simply something to act out his anger on .

There seems to be a mixed presentation with this case, in terms of behavior, the offense seems planned though not well unlike most child abductions that are not planned at all.

Id personally would like to know what type of bindings were used , which would indicate the offenders level of planning , was this something he had on hand, like shoelaces, or was it something he brought with the intention to commit the crime. as this an impulsive act, or a pre-planned rape gone wrong, or planned rape/murder?

Without more evidence its impossible to render which .

Back then I don't think Deerfoot Rd the main road to her street was even paved. I'm assuming the bus dropped her off at the end of the unpaved road which was quite long. Most of the houses there are on 5 acre parcels. It was rural houses with horses, cows,etc. The homes are set back from the road. There truly wouldn't be any real reason to be in that area unless you lived in that area or knew someone in that area. You definitely needed a vehicle to get around and that still holds true today. I actually worked near her house today and passed by.......all my own views.

 

[Kell1]

Back then I don't think Deerfoot Rd the main road to her street was even paved. I'm assuming the bus dropped her off at the end of the unpaved road which was quite long. Most of the houses there are on 5 acre parcels. It was rural houses with horses, cows,etc. The homes are set back from the road. There truly wouldn't be any real reason to be in that area unless you lived in that area or knew someone in that area. You definitely needed a vehicle to get around and that still holds true today. I actually worked near her house today and passed by.......all my own views.

The offender in these cases, are usually a local, (lives/Works) in the area, in other words they are usually there for legitimate reasons.

Though its possible the offender was out looking for a victim, which would be better indicated in the type of restraints used, for EX, if the victim was bound with her own clothes or shoe laces, it it usually a more impulsive thing

What usually happens, is the offender comes across the victim somewhere along their path walking alone, and they impulsively act.



If the restraints , were something the killer brought, (rpoe, zip ties, duct tape ) then you are looking at more planning,

 

[dotr]

Apr 25, 2024
30 years ago today, Laralee Spear was abducted and murdered after she got off her school bus outside DeLand. She was 15 years old.For 30 years, detectives have been trying to solve her case.The scene of her murder was a burned-out house about a quarter-mile from her family’s home on Deerfoot Road. Detectives have information that prior to the murder, people were gathering at the abandoned property, hanging out and shooting guns.We believe someone out there knows something that could help in this investigation.Sheriff Mike Chitwood is offering a $50,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this case.Call the Major Case Unit at 386-254-1537 or email ColdCaseUnitTips@volusiasheriff.gov to help.

Volusia County deputies seek help solving 30-year-old cold case murder

In 1994, Laralee Spear was 15 years old when she was abducted and murdered.

www.wftv.com

By James Tutten, April 26, 2024
''Deputies are bringing attention to the case in hopes that someone will come forward with new information about what happened.

“We believe in our hearts that there are people out there who for 30 years have hid the key to solving this horrific murder in their hearts. And now it’s time to let it out.”
Deputies are offering a $50,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.''

 

[PaulaDC]

Apr 25, 2024
30 years ago today, Laralee Spear was abducted and murdered after she got off her school bus outside DeLand. She was 15 years old.For 30 years, detectives have been trying to solve her case.The scene of her murder was a burned-out house about a quarter-mile from her family’s home on Deerfoot Road. Detectives have information that prior to the murder, people were gathering at the abandoned property, hanging out and shooting guns.We believe someone out there knows something that could help in this investigation.Sheriff Mike Chitwood is offering a $50,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this case.Call the Major Case Unit at 386-254-1537 or email ColdCaseUnitTips@volusiasheriff.gov to help.
View attachment 499704

Volusia County deputies seek help solving 30-year-old cold case murder

In 1994, Laralee Spear was 15 years old when she was abducted and murdered.

www.wftv.com

By James Tutten, April 26, 2024
''Deputies are bringing attention to the case in hopes that someone will come forward with new information about what happened.

“We believe in our hearts that there are people out there who for 30 years have hid the key to solving this horrific murder in their hearts. And now it’s time to let it out.”
Deputies are offering a $50,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.''

I just drove past here on Thursday. I think of her when I drive past her street over these past years.

 

[PayrollNerd]

If this creep is still in the area, maybe someone close to him needs $50k and will talk. I think he’s told somebody, something, over the years. The details haven’t all connected yet for them but hopefully they will. Keeping her story alive could trigger their memory.

 

[Tricia]

Hey Everyone,
We have an announcement about Laralee's case coming later today. We are going to need your help!

 

[PaulaDC]

Hoping this is OK to link.
It tells quite a bit more than what I have seen about this case. They do have DNA which makes me hopeful. I'll be working right here so very close to this location today and will have the family on my mind.

30 Years After Laralee Spear’s Unsolved Murder A $50,000 Reward Offered - Zone 7 with Sheryl McCollum | iHeart

<p>On April 25, 1994, 15-year-old Laralee Spear was abducted, shot, and killed after she stepped off her school bus outside DeLand, FL. Her murder has never been solved. A $50,000 reward is available for the tip that leads detectives to the killer.</p> <p><strong>Guest Bio and...

www.iheart.com

 

[Tricia]

Join us tonight on Websleuths YouTube Live at 10:30 PM Eastern as the host of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum, asks Websleuths for help in solving the cold case of Laralee Spear.