Let me start off by saying that this is extremely tragic. My condolences to Jackie's family, friends, and pets. She was very genuine and had a kind heart. Truly one of a kind.
Additionally, everything stated in this post regarding possible motives is my opinion only and in no way meant to be presented as fact.
I am a Columbus native. I went to high school with Jackie and I lived on Riverside for a number of years. I have a background in Forensic Psychology but do not intend to present my opinion as a professional. However, I have read some comments and questions that I would like to weigh-in on.
1.) There is NO WAY this was a suicide. Jackie would not have taken her own life.
2.) It is very unlikely this case is connected to the A and L case. The demographic doesn't fit. "Similar" isn't good enough for a preferential predator. It has to be exact.
3.) There COULD be a connection between this case and the March 3, 1989 case based on an anniversary killing theory. But the 1989 murder(s) were those of a spree killer, so unless there are other victims yet to be discovered this theory is also unlikely.
4.) It is entirely possible an innocent bystander opened the passenger car door and/or turned on the hazard lights. But if not, J was either forced to leave at gunpoint/bludgeoned by someone impersonating a police officer (won't know until Monday's autopsy) or valued whatever made her leave under her own volition more than her personal belongings (more than likely her own pet and not a stray, but possible).
5.) The water near where J's body was found was much too shallow to drown this time of year and is moderate in temperature (50's) for much of March. However, it is important to note that this particular river is prone to flooding. See: Columbus Flood of 2008
6.) J could have taken four possible routes to her destination from Indianapolis. Three of which are through Taylorsville. (One from Exit 76 on I-65, one on Highway 31 to Washington St. and the other on Highway 31 to Indianapolis Road). The last route is Exit 68 on I-65 to State Road 46.
7.) There are numerous gas stations along each of these routes whereas they are located near major highways and interstates. The two closest gas stations to where her car was found are located on the corner of US 31/National Road and Washington St. (Village Pantry) and on the corner of 11th St. and Washington St. (Marathon).
8.) Noblitt Park is attached to the much more populated Mill Race Park by a series of heavily wooded trails that run alongside the river. Mostly used now for joggers, bikers and fishermen. There are some defunct train trestles back there and some park benches. Noblitt Park itself is rarely used for much of anything. There are a few fields used to practice baseball and a parking lot. Rumored to be a hangout for deviants and drug users. Before being renovated during the late 80's/early 90's into the parks they are today, the entire area used to be populated by impoverished vagabonds and drifters.
9.) The closest golf course is quite far away (at least 2 miles) from the crime scene. Not sure what this speculation is about or where it came from.
10.) Columbus has a very low crime rate. Although it is increasing due to the drug trade (Meth in particular) and a general increase in population due to an expanding job market. With that said, Riverside is one of the most affluent neighborhoods in the city with houses that definitely have security cameras. Whether they will be of any use is yet to be determined.
Unless deemed 'inconclusive,' the results of the autopsy will answer most, if not all the questions we have. It is just a waiting game now. But again, the tragedy of this can not be overstated. So sad.
