ID ID - Lewiston Civic Theater Murders / 5 Related Cases

[kline]

I have to respectfully disagree ..the road from Lewiston to Moscow, (SPOKANE)..Isnt some rural road, its well traveled with Moscow and Pullman being college towns. It's never made sense to me, if you were going to abduction someone, why would you drive into the most populated town, all those small remote towns..Union Town, Genesee, Deary ,Troy...but you would drive to Lewiston, if you had no idea how big those town were from the signs...
It was a widely accepted rumor she was dismembered at the Sacajawea Hotel, which if memory serves , is thefirst small hotel you come across if you head downtown, which we all know loops toward the Clarkston Bridge..straight down bridgeport..to the second bridge her body was thrown from, if you think all that sounds like somebody familiar with the area, I.humbly disagree

Whatever the 'widely accepted rumour' was I can assure you the location of Kristen David's death has never been established so figuring the motel as a reference point doesnt make much sense.
The POI didnt live far from the bridge her remains were dropped from.
He probably crossed it everyday.
Which would make the bridge an expediant place.
If it were a transient working from a vehicle you would think transporting the remains there would be risky.
One would think there would be safer places to get rid of them anyway.
Kristen's killer not only felt that bridge was expediant to wherever he kept the body parts but felt comfortable enough that he could stop on the bridge and toss the parts over the side without being seen by traffic at the time he choose to do it.
That sounds like someone very familar with the area.
As far as the motel...even in 1981 you would have had to present I.D. like a drivers licence and give your vehicle licence plate number in order to rent a room.
Then what?
Smuggle a captive girl into the room and dismember her without leaving a mess? Leaving nothing but a prevailing rumour?
To me in order to abduct someone,murder them,dismember the body and be able to wait a few days before disposing of the pieces you would need privacy where you were confident you could do this without fear of being discovered and a source of running water.(he felt comfortable enough and had the leisure to individually wrap the pieces in plastic for pete's sake!)
This to me speaks of someone with a residence in the area.

 

[scrubbers72]

I find the Mary Jo Templeton case, in Oregon in 1979 and the other cases linked as similar by the FBI, to be eerily similar to the Davis case. Listen..I think There was a clear connection between V and Christina White,Kristina Nelson, Pearsall, and Brandi Miller..they just weren't able to nail him, but I don't think the Davis case fit with the others, and I'm not alone if you look back through the archives, Don Shoeffer, Mike Goetz, ect ( law enforcement familiar with the case) didn't think so either. I think its dangerous to assume anything
I've never heard he kept her body parts for days, and I believe somebody reported seeing a man tossing items from the bridge, in the early morning hours following her disappearance, and blood on the bridge sparked the investigation, but they didn't take to the water until the first remains were found by a 5th grade teacher, and his class on a field trip.
And to keep from being to graphic, she wasn't wrapped in plastic.she was tossed into black garbage bags
V lived in Asotin, wrong bridge..that was the truck route for big rigs to take
They say killers have an MO, they follow, and the violence usually esculates, V disposed of the young gals from the civic theater in Kendrick, out in the.middle of nowhere, he certainly had time to do as he pleased with the bodies...we will have to agree to disagree on this one
As far as the sacajawea inn, back on the 80s you still signed a register, and paid for a room. It might have never have been disclosed to the public, it was the location she was dismembered at.

 

[kline]

I find the Mary Jo Templeton case, in Oregon in 1979 and the other cases linked as similar by the FBI, to be eerily similar to the Davis case. Listen..I think There was a clear connection between V and Christina White,Kristina Nelson, Pearsall, and Brandi Miller..they just weren't able to nail him, but I don't think the Davis case fit with the others, and I'm not alone if you look back through the archives, Don Shoeffer, Mike Goetz, ect ( law enforcement familiar with the case) didn't think so either. I think its dangerous to assume anything
I've never heard he kept her body parts for days, and I believe somebody reported seeing a man tossing items from the bridge, in the early morning hours following her disappearance, and blood on the bridge sparked the investigation, but they didn't take to the water until the first remains were found by a 5th grade teacher, and his class on a field trip.
And to keep from being to graphic, she wasn't wrapped in plastic.she was tossed into black garbage bags
V lived in Asotin, wrong bridge..that was the truck route for big rigs to take
They say killers have an MO, they follow, and the violence usually esculates, V disposed of the young gals from the civic theater in Kendrick, out in the.middle of nowhere, he certainly had time to do as he pleased with the bodies...we will have to agree to disagree on this one
As far as the sacajawea inn, back on the 80s you still signed a register, and paid for a room. It might have never have been disclosed to the public, it was the location she was dismembered at.

That the site of her dismemberment has been definitivly established would be a bombshell to many who follow this case(including some investigators)
Do you have evidence to support this other then rumour?

 

[animlzrule]

I lived on 7th Ave. for 5 years in the 90s and could see the LCT from my porch. Having read about the cases periodically in the paper, the building, while really quite charming, did give me the creeps. And I had never heard the rumor about the Sacajewea Hotel. That seems an illogical choice to me. I tend to think it was someone who lived in the area and was very familiar with the surrounding terrain. That part of Idaho/Washington provides almost infinite places to dispose of bodies. It makes more sense to me that the killer would have returned to Lewiston/Clarkston/Asotin to do his dirty work. Outsiders stand out like a neon sign in those isolated, tiny burgs like Genesee, Troy etc. And at least while I was living there, depending on the time of day, one could often find themselves cruising over either bridge crossing the Snake alone. (I worked nights, lived in Lewiston, worked in Clarkston). I can see a scenario where it is quite possible someone could have pulled over and thrown bags into the river with the assumption that the act went unwitnessed.

 

[kline]

ote=animlzrule;7481736]I lived on 7th Ave. for 5 years in the 90s and could see the LCT from my porch. Having read about the cases periodically in the paper, the building, while really quite charming, did give me the creeps. And I had never heard the rumor about the Sacajewea Hotel. That seems an illogical choice to me. I tend to think it was someone who lived in the area and was very familiar with the surrounding terrain. That part of Idaho/Washington provides almost infinite places to dispose of bodies. It makes more sense to me that the killer would have returned to Lewiston/Clarkston/Asotin to do his dirty work. Outsiders stand out like a neon sign in those isolated, tiny burgs like Genesee, Troy etc. And at least while I was living there, depending on the time of day, one could often find themselves cruising over either bridge crossing the Snake alone. (I worked nights, lived in Lewiston, worked in Clarkston). I can see a scenario where it is quite possible someone could have pulled over and thrown bags into the river with the assumption that the act went unwitnessed.[/quote]


Exactly.That was always my feeling that it indicated someone who was comfortable disposing the body parts from that bridge because they knew when they would likely be able to do it without much trafic,someone who crossed the bridge frequently(such as the POI).
A stranger could have found a billion places that presented much less risk in the immediate area.
I also strongly suspect the POI may have contrived to be on the scene when the remains were'discovered'.
Ive heard the 'Kristen David doesnt fit' theory before and I should have more patience with it.
Its just to me it makes little sense.
As I said before:Two of the victims have never been found.
Its pretty much agreed by investigators that in all likelyhood Pearsal was killed because he interupted the killer with the girls at the Theater so we have no idea whatsoever what he had in mind for them ultimately before he simply had to concentrate on damage control and the inevitable scrutiny that was coming his way ....and our POI was caught in a mortuary with a hunting knife in the past....how does a dis-membered female victim 'not fit' exactly?

 

[scriptgirl]

I fail to see how anyone could cut up a body in the tub not get caught, found out. Any news, Kline?

 

[kline]

I fail to see how anyone could cut up a body in the tub not get caught, found out. Any news, Kline?

Things are really in stasis with this one right now.
The Documentary about the case 'Confluence' is finally out on DVD though.

 

[scriptgirl]

What does stasis mean?

 

[kline]

What does stasis mean?

Oh,just nothing is happening development wise at the moment.
It happens with alot of these cases, there will be information and things going on then nothing. It waxes and wanes especially with the older cases.
Im confident we havent seen the final act yet.

 

[denakaye76]

I received a copy of "Confluence" and was very surprised by some of the information. The case of the "3" from the Civic Theater hits very close to home. Although I was a little girl and never met Kristina Nelson, I still remember driving around Lewiston and Clarkston looking for any clues for her father (our cousin). I remember that the Lewiston Police department followed us around town.....I think we were under suspision at that point. I also remember finding some clothing along the trail that they walked to and from the theater to the store.....we turned that clothing over to police and I have never heard anything about it again since. We were pretty certain that the paint on the clothing matched some of the art work Kristina was working on. At that time, DNA testing was not possible, however, I have always wondered if they kept these garmets in the case evidence box.....and if so, why have they not done DNA testing on it. Not that anything conclusive would come from this; however, it is just one more "piece" of the puzzle.

 

[scriptgirl]

This case keeps me up at night. Eerie.
In the case Christina, are her parents still alive and do they live in the area still?

 

[animlzrule]

I received a copy of "Confluence" and was very surprised by some of the information. The case of the "3" from the Civic Theater hits very close to home. Although I was a little girl and never met Kristina Nelson, I still remember driving around Lewiston and Clarkston looking for any clues for her father (our cousin). I remember that the Lewiston Police department followed us around town.....I think we were under suspision at that point. I also remember finding some clothing along the trail that they walked to and from the theater to the store.....we turned that clothing over to police and I have never heard anything about it again since. We were pretty certain that the paint on the clothing matched some of the art work Kristina was working on. At that time, DNA testing was not possible, however, I have always wondered if they kept these garmets in the case evidence box.....and if so, why have they not done DNA testing on it. Not that anything conclusive would come from this; however, it is just one more "piece" of the puzzle.

May I ask how you got your DVD? I imagine you can order one from the filmmaker's website? I need to check it again.

 

[kline]

I received a copy of "Confluence" and was very surprised by some of the information. The case of the "3" from the Civic Theater hits very close to home. Although I was a little girl and never met Kristina Nelson, I still remember driving around Lewiston and Clarkston looking for any clues for her father (our cousin). I remember that the Lewiston Police department followed us around town.....I think we were under suspision at that point. I also remember finding some clothing along the trail that they walked to and from the theater to the store.....we turned that clothing over to police and I have never heard anything about it again since. We were pretty certain that the paint on the clothing matched some of the art work Kristina was working on. At that time, DNA testing was not possible, however, I have always wondered if they kept these garmets in the case evidence box.....and if so, why have they not done DNA testing on it. Not that anything conclusive would come from this; however, it is just one more "piece" of the puzzle.

I heard about those paint stained clothes...im just trying to remember where...
The girls clothes they were wearing the night of their murder were found with their remains in Kendrick as far as I know.
I thought the film-makers did a wonderful job with'Confluence'
I had to go over to '...And Books' in Clarkston to get my copy.
We need to find out where it can be ordered so we can share with the many posters on this thread.
It cost $20 but worth every penny.
The makers of the documentary spent about an hour with a film crew interviewing me down in Orofino but we mostly discussed suspect L V, what he was like personally and my impressions during my short association with him during the production of 'Foot Light Frenzy' in 1986(we had the cast party at his geodeosic dome house they show in the documentary. My ex and I spent the night there.) and a few other matters having to do with the case but they didnt get into that in the film so they didnt use it.
Seeing how they structured it I can see why.
They did thank me in the credits though! Which was cool.
It is hard to watch the part where they talk to Kristen David's father without choking up.
We need to keep all the relatives of the victims in our Prayers.

 

[kline]

This case keeps me up at night. Eerie.
In the case Christina, are her parents still alive and do they live in the area still?

Im not sure if they are still in the area.They interview them in "Confluence".

 

[scriptgirl]

And Kline, what was your impression of V

 

[kline]

And Kline, what was your impression of V?

Very over the top theatrical person.
Eccentric is the adjective I would use...many others who knew him use the same word to describe him.
But I did alot of theater back then and I met alot of folks to whom that word would apply.
I liked him OK.
We talked about drama and JRR Tolkien alot.
I certainly didnt find him threatening.
Just another theater nut.
He had a great singing voice.
I remember a bunch of us down at a local Lewiston pub called O'Brien's one night while he and my Ex who is a singer, sang the greatest hits from 'Fiddler On The Roof.'

 

[scriptgirl]

Just goes to show you never know about people.

 

[LucyOso]

I've done a little reading up on this. For such a small town, there have been a lot of "disappearances". From what can tell LE does not seem to believe any of the others are conected to the Prime Suspect. In 1986-87 there was a serial killer operating in the Spokane-Coeur d'Alene area. My understanding is that there is no serious suspect. Makes you wonder what our guy was up to during that period. Lewiston was less than 100 miles away.

Snipped by me.

Here are some cases from that area of Idaho. Due to the geography in Idaho and as someone who is from there, the distance between these places is a normal drive to go anywhere...LOL.

I don't think some of the women below get much press...possibly due to lifestyle of some...

Patricia Otto, 1975
https://www.findthemissing.org/en/cases/2064/0

Gayla...but, she is already mentioned 1979

Nancy Rose, 1980
https://www.findthemissing.org/en/cases/2152/5

Deborah Swanson, 1986
https://www.findthemissing.org/en/cases/2073/13

Sally Stone, 1986
https://www.findthemissing.org/en/cases/2075/15

Clemente Godina, 1987
https://www.findthemissing.org/en/cases/2140/16

Tina Finley, 1988
https://www.findthemissing.org/en/cases/9768/17


The panhandle of Idaho is a "pass through" area. Many people stop for gas or food, but continue right through.

I also think this is of interest. Three 2 year old boys missing in a couple of years (mind you the entire population of Idaho at that time was maybe 900,000):

Curtis Mckeever, 1980
https://www.findthemissing.org/en/cases/2069/7

Richard Barnett, 1982
https://www.findthemissing.org/en/cases/2070/8

Jason Canon, 1983
https://www.findthemissing.org/en/cases/2079/11



The state of Washington also had a cluster of them, too.

Tyler Inman, 1982
https://www.findthemissing.org/en/cases/6209/22

Wallace Guidroz, 1983
https://www.findthemissing.org/en/cases/1853/66

Roland Spencer, 1984
https://www.findthemissing.org/en/cases/4684/63

The state of New York also had a high rate of 2-3 year old boys missing at the time, too. Anyway, just my :twocents:

 

[kline]

Snipped by me.

Here are some cases from that area of Idaho. Due to the geography in Idaho and as someone who is from there, the distance between these places is a normal drive to go anywhere...LOL.

I don't think some of the women below get much press...possibly due to lifestyle of some...

Patricia Otto, 1975
https://www.findthemissing.org/en/cases/2064/0

Gayla...but, she is already mentioned 1979

Nancy Rose, 1980
https://www.findthemissing.org/en/cases/2152/5

Deborah Swanson, 1986
https://www.findthemissing.org/en/cases/2073/13

Sally Stone, 1986
https://www.findthemissing.org/en/cases/2075/15

Clemente Godina, 1987
https://www.findthemissing.org/en/cases/2140/16

Tina Finley, 1988
https://www.findthemissing.org/en/cases/9768/17


The panhandle of Idaho is a "pass through" area. Many people stop for gas or food, but continue right through.

I also think this is of interest. Three 2 year old boys missing in a couple of years (mind you the entire population of Idaho at that time was maybe 900,000):

Curtis Mckeever, 1980
https://www.findthemissing.org/en/cases/2069/7

Richard Barnett, 1982
https://www.findthemissing.org/en/cases/2070/8

Jason Canon, 1983
https://www.findthemissing.org/en/cases/2079/11



The state of Washington also had a cluster of them, too.

Tyler Inman, 1982
https://www.findthemissing.org/en/cases/6209/22

Wallace Guidroz, 1983
https://www.findthemissing.org/en/cases/1853/66

Roland Spencer, 1984
https://www.findthemissing.org/en/cases/4684/63

The state of New York also had a high rate of 2-3 year old boys missing at the time, too. Anyway, just my :twocents:

Thanks for compiling that!
Quite a list for such a sparsely populated area.
I wonder how this area of the country would look on a bar graph of unexplained missing and cold case murders stacked up against other simularly populated areas for the same time period?
Ill bet we would stick out like a sore thumb.
You ought to check out the map of cold case homicides for the Spokane area that you can find on the Spokesman Review site...Good Lord...Spokane has always been my candidate for sister city to 'Derry Maine'.(that will make sense to the Stephen King fans out there)

 

[denakaye76]

I heard about those paint stained clothes...im just trying to remember where...
The girls clothes they were wearing the night of their murder were found with their remains in Kendrick as far as I know.
I thought the film-makers did a wonderful job with'Confluence'
I had to go over to '...And Books' in Clarkston to get my copy.
We need to find out where it can be ordered so we can share with the many posters on this thread.
It cost $20 but worth every penny.
The makers of the documentary spent about an hour with a film crew interviewing me down in Orofino but we mostly discussed suspect LV, what he was like personally and my impressions during my short association with him during the production of 'Foot Light Frenzy' in 1986(we had the cast party at his geodeosic dome house they show in the documentary. My ex and I spent the night there.) and a few other matters having to do with the case but they didnt get into that in the film so they didnt use it.
Seeing how they structured it I can see why.
They did thank me in the credits though! Which was cool.
It is hard to watch the part where they talk to Kristen David's father without choking up.
We need to keep all the relatives of the victims in our Prayers.

I know that "Confluence the Movie" can be purchased online at: http://confluencethemovie.com/ They did a great job of pulling much of the information from all (3) cases together. I learned so much information that I didn't know about all of the cases and I also felt that there was more information that our family knows, that is not public information, that is probably key to someday finding the killer. I was only about 6 or 7 and still remember their dissappearance like it was yesterday. I only pray that these cases will be solved and a killer is brought to justice.