Some of the scenarios mentioned are possible but when you think your way through what probably happened, some things make it seem as though it was not the killers first time. He could be friendly enough to gain her confidence, not affection.
When he gets into CVH's apartment she's doomed but doesn't know it, he's getting excited.
When he tries to get off with her she screams, the only thing an excited agitated "killer" would do next is to silence her screams quickly - he must have hit her. Probably he punched her in the head or in the face. He had to shut her up quickly. I think she had to have been sent unconcious by blows to the head and face.
Then, when he shut her up, he still wanted to do what he came for in the first place, he raped her. To do that , remember she had to have been unconcious, he would have taken off his clothes. Sex with CVH is what he came for, so he took his clothes off and raped her. He was enraged.
After the rape, he had a problem, she would call the police and he would be in a lot of trouble. It was after he had got what he wanted, the rape, that he had to think of how he was going to get out of what he had done.
Stabbing her to death was the best way out he could think of, he was probably naked and bare foot, CVH was undoubtedly unconcious, so stabbing her to death would have been messy, and would have taken quite a long time, but she could not fight back. Over 50 stab wounds would be exhausting and very messy.
He had enough time to take a shower and clean himself up, his clothes and shoes need not have been covered in blood, he had plenty of time to think, now the urgency had gone.
I very much doubt that was the first time he had committed this type of crime, and I also think he probably committed some more afterwards. I hope he is in prison, maybe one day we will find out.
I don't think it was his first violent act against a woman, either. First murder? I don't know, but apparently he was inexperienced, because he left behind sufficient biological evidence to develop a DNA profile. I also tend to agree it wasn't his last crime of this type, unless he died within a few years afterward. Even then, I believe he left behind live victims if not dead ones.
Some woman knows this man. She's seen his face, heard his voice, and probably knows his name. Maybe she's not aware that he's a killer, but she knows he's mean and he's dangerous. She might've met him right there in Indianapolis, but never came forward because she was a sex worker, married, too afraid, or simply embarrassed because the encounter started out as consensual. That poor woman needs to know that it's okay, and it's not too late to speak up. He most likely was attractive, maybe drove a cool car and talked a good line. Anyone could've been persuaded by him.
That's what I think happened with Carmen, to be honest. I believe she was attracted to the guy, and after a few beers things took the usual course. Initially, she wasn't resistant. She was probably into it. But at some point during the act, his demeanor changed. He suggested, by his words or actions, something vile. Something so repulsive that Carmen pushed him away and wanted the whole thing to end right then and there. But that only accelerated his anger and excitement, and hence the horrific violence. IMO
When it ended, I would think you're right. He must have made some attempt to clean himself. It wouldn't have taken long. In less than ten minutes, he could have showered, thrown on his clothes, and been out the door. I wonder how much time passed between the yelling and the footsteps in the hallway. I also wonder if after hearing Carmen yell at him, if anyone peeked out a door or window as he was leaving. Did anyone hear or see a car?
Residents of apartment complexes generally are used to noise from other tenants. There's a Gladys Kravitz everywhere, but for the most part people mind their own business. Normally, they don't complain unless a disturbance is persistent, or very loud, or alarming. And if there's a ruckus, followed by the sound of a person leaving, I think it's natural for many of us to try and catch a glimpse to see which party left. Without knowing the layout, and where Carmen's apartment was situated, it's hard to say, but I wouldn't be surprised if someone got a glance at him.
ETA: Adding Detective Carter's contact info -- bbm
Thank you for featuring Carmen's case. My direct number is
(317)327-1270 and department email is
william.carter@indy.gov if anyone has information.
