I've studied homicides for over 20 years, I never heard about this case until last week, and have been reading everything I can find ever since. There is a thesis written by a camper who was there that night - "What Fear is Like", by Amy C. Sullivan (2013). I read it in 2 days, my local library doesn't carry any of the books written, unfortunately.
I have interviewed a notorious serial killer, so you can believe it when I say that this is one of the scariest cases I've ever come across. The photographs are real-life scenes from Friday the 13th.
SO many things about this case make my blood boil. Here's a rundown, although I'm sure I could come up with more:
- Men seen in the camp, counselors not taking it seriously.
- The threatening note being discounted.
- The location of that tent. Was it typically used as a punishment or isolation tent? I can't imagine feeling safe there, or wanting my child in that arrangement.
- The suspect being heralded as a local hero, and protected by his own for 4 years as a fugitive, simply because he was NA ... despite the fact that he was an ADMITTED sadistic rapist / attempted murderer.
- GLH's own mother (enabler) provided the contraband saw which enabled his escape from jail.
- Girls reported hearing guttural moans, footfall on the leaves, screaming, and general odd noises FOR HOURS, beginning around 2:00 am, but no one intervened.
- Denise's body temperature was in the 70's range, meaning she hadn't been deceased for very long when she was found at 6:00 am. Someone was busy for 4 HOURS(!) with no one investigating the sounds.
- Parents weren't notified whether their children were dead or alive, they waited at the buses to find out if their children would get off or not. Horrible protocol, totally unnecessary, such lack of compassion.
- The shape-shifting, dark medicine aspect just ticks me off. Such an utter distraction from the pure evil that was inflicted on June 13, 1977. Native American or not, whoever did this was disgusting, revolting and depraved ... unhinged and unholy. I'm thankful there is a judgement day and eternity to pay.
I believe there are two monsters responsible. I also believe that Oklahoma is totally corrupt ... but judgement awaits that, too.
There was no justice for these girls and their poor families.