http://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper ...ina NY Daily Register Journal 1982 - 0246.pdf
Interesting that the axe was kept in a garage that was not broken into. So how did the perp get the axe? Quite suspicious...
Silver strewn about yet nothing stolen? Staging.
I agree
Times, also seem off in this case, indicating that there was a possibility she could've been killed before her husband left for work
One article states the recently moved to that area as well, which would make it unlikely they'd accrue many enemies , unless that had anything to do with them re-locating in the 1st place, however a lot of things don't add up to the presence of an intruder
The offender, apparently "broke in", the back door but didn't wake the victim up didn't harm the child, she wasn't sexually assaulted, there's no presence, of ANY sexual component to this crime, nothing was stolen, though there was clearly silverware, most likely more valuables available to take which indicates, that she was the target
The choice of the weapon is interesting in an of itself
Unless it was by happenstance, which cant be ruled out, but seems unlikely, and more pertinent that the offender, had prior knowledge, of the existence, and location, of the weapon within the residence.
Now Its not uncommon for a burglar to arm themselves with a weapon inside a residence, the most common weapon is a kitchen knife, that was out in the open (IE block), or something they come across while going through the residence, (scissors etc..)
If we are to assume this was indeed a break in then we need to establish the motive for such
-Why break in in the early am?, unless they know the victim would be alone with the child
-Though things were "disturbed" nothing of value was taken , so burglary/robbery seems unlikely
-The victim, wasn't sexually assaulted with no indication of any sexual activity at the scene ,so sexual homicide can be pretty much be ruled, out
-The child wasn't abducted from the residence, so abduction for ransom/sexual exploitation can be ruled out
-No fingerprints, indicates 1 of 3 possibilities,
1) The weapon was wiped down-indicating her killer knew their fingerprints would be found
2) the killer used a covering on his /her hands
3) Or that fingerprints were on the weapon , however any fingerprints found on the weapon are supposed to be there and weren't suspect
Which would explain the lack of any fingerprints, found in the house as well
Other than a NEED to kill the victim, there's not much evidence to support any other theory
All indicators seem to point to personal cause homicide , someone angry with the victim
Why bash someone's head in with an axe when they are asleep?, you could do virtually anything to an unconscious victim?.
And if they are such a sound sleeper that they could sleep through someone breaking in the back door, then why not just grab what you can and run.
Another interesting fact is that it was a single strike to the victims head, however, as you can pretty much discern from any of the "gore" sites that are out there , people have survived, being struck in the head with ALL kinds, of objects.
Its not certain the victim would die, which to me indicates, that the offender, would possibly stand and wait till the victim, bled out, flee the scene immediately, or strike the victim again .
So we have to assume, someone broke in to kill the victim, did she have any enemies? seems that this would be an obvious point to look into , but nothing is listed
In any case, the killer would most likely have, gotten some of the victims blood (possibly tissue) on them.
Given this was the AM hours, (Daylight) I think it would've been a real risk to exit the house, with the victims blood on your person primarily if you weren't someone who belonged in the residence at that hour
Unless they cleaned up prior to leaving, which would indicate, comfort at the scene . I didn't see any indication, the sinks/showers, were tested for the presence of blood (though I hope it would've been done, its a common practice)
recently moved to the area
no known enemies
victim found inside the residence
weapon originated from inside the residence
unlikely weapon of opportunity when others were most likely passed up
personal cause most likely
staged scene to throw off investigation
unlikely time for a break in
no sexual assault
no theft though valuables were disturbed
child present yet unhurt, not abducted or sexually assaulted
weapon wiped down while still imbedded in the victim
times, given by husband are suspect
If I were lead investigator, wed be having some LOOOOOONG talks with the husband to clear up those time discrepancies
See if any insurance claims had been taken out
Talk to friends, and family to see how their relationship was
Did anything recently happen?
Were either of them seeing someone else?
What was the reason for the move ?
Did they argue that morning or the night before ?
What is their financial situation?
Did the neighbors hear anything prior?
Were there any similar crimes in the area ?
Who would know where the weapon was ?
From the point of entry would the most likely path to where the victim was located bypass weapons of opportunity?.. IE did they walk by knives, etc. to get the axe?
Just some things to ponder