Volusia County - Daytona Beach (Ridgwood Ave corridor)

[Sparky]

Hope y'all don't mind me chiming in here, but I read this today.

Sniped

Woman found dead, half-naked at abandoned Daytona Beach home


Now, Daytona Beach police Chief Mike Chitwood said his investigators are trying to find out if her death could be the work of a serial killer.

Chitwood said a preliminary investigation showed Jenkins was murdered at the abandoned home sometime between Sunday and Tuesday.

Although the initial investigation did not show any obvious signs of trauma, like gunshot wounds, a preliminary autopsy report showed Jenkins suffered internal trauma, which led to her death.

Chitwood said Jenkins' murder did not fit the method of operation of the so-called Daytona Beach serial killer, gunshot wounds and leaving behind DNA.

So, at this point, the police investigation does not show any link to that serial killer, who murdered three known prostitutes or drug users from 2005–2007, but Chitwood said he's not discounting that possibility.

"It does not fit the M.O., but then again, if you have a serial killer, they're going to change their ways, especially in today's world," Chitwood said. "They are probably more astute than any of us in this room, as far as what detectives are going to do, what the media is going to report, and things like that. So, obviously, it's something in the back of our minds."

http://www.mynews13.com/content/new...icles/cfn/2015/4/23/body_found_at_abando.html

 

[lesliep]

The FBI database includes 15 cases in a 30-mile radius of the I-4 corridor, as well as others near Interstate 95. Todd would not discuss the specifics of those cases. http://articles.orlandosentinel.com..._1_serial-killings-iwana-patton-serial-killer

 

[littlemodesty]

Just a quickie - it's probably been mentioned before, but didn't the Long Island serial kiler use burlap to wrap his victims in too?

 

[Skully]

Hope y'all don't mind me chiming in here, but I read this today.

Sniped

Woman found dead, half-naked at abandoned Daytona Beach home


Now, Daytona Beach police Chief Mike Chitwood said his investigators are trying to find out if her death could be the work of a serial killer.

Chitwood said a preliminary investigation showed Jenkins was murdered at the abandoned home sometime between Sunday and Tuesday.

Although the initial investigation did not show any obvious signs of trauma, like gunshot wounds, a preliminary autopsy report showed Jenkins suffered internal trauma, which led to her death.

Chitwood said Jenkins' murder did not fit the method of operation of the so-called Daytona Beach serial killer, gunshot wounds and leaving behind DNA.

So, at this point, the police investigation does not show any link to that serial killer, who murdered three known prostitutes or drug users from 2005–2007, but Chitwood said he's not discounting that possibility.

"It does not fit the M.O., but then again, if you have a serial killer, they're going to change their ways, especially in today's world," Chitwood said. "They are probably more astute than any of us in this room, as far as what detectives are going to do, what the media is going to report, and things like that. So, obviously, it's something in the back of our minds."

http://www.mynews13.com/content/new...icles/cfn/2015/4/23/body_found_at_abando.html

I read that article a few weeks ago. I forget who posted it, but thank you again for reposting it. It was in April and I do think it is odd that this is happening again there. I know there is great danger in what these women do, and it does happen but really how many times in a small area? She was found so near to the first victim it is scary. I do think he changed his MO, he knows that one slip up and LE finds any trace of his DNA again and they are again on his trial. It is only a matter of time IMO. The economy is back and so is he.

 

[CriminalMinds]

Just a quickie - it's probably been mentioned before, but didn't the Long Island serial kiler use burlap to wrap his victims in too?

yes, on the Gilgo Beach 4

 

[CriminalMinds]

Really? That's great. When was he arrested? I've been away and without internet alot the past couple of years....well since Aug 2013 so I've missed alot at WS.

july 2014--he hasn't been linked(likely won't be) to the open case of the GB4 bodies, or the other bodies further down the beach

 

[waltzingmatilda]

I've been researching the weather conditions and moon phases for the DB4, AC4, & GB4 because of my theory that the killer may be a commercial fisherman who travels south from LI during the winter months and migrates back up north to LI during the summer months. The results are interesting...

DB4

Sat. 12-24-05 Laquetta Gunter.....Mostly cloudy and hazy....winds N-NE 10-24 gusting to 24....Moon last quarter...rise 12:45 am...set 12:45 pm

Fri. 1-13-06 Julie Green....Fog, rain, thunderstorms, overall cloudy....wind S-SW gusts to 37 mph...Moon full...rise 5:07 pm...set 6:59 am

Fri. 2-24-06 Iwanna Patton....Overall cloudy and overcast....wind NE gusts to 23 mph...Moon waning cresent..rise 4:24 am...set 2:34 pm

Sat, 1-3-2008 Stacy Gage.....Over cloudy and overcast wind N/NW/NE, gusts to 32mph...Moon waning cresent...rise 3:09 am...set 1:44 pm

AC4

Sat. 10-7-06 Molly Jean Dilts...Rain, overcast..wind NE, gusts to 32 mph....Moon Full...rise 6:43 pm...set 7:30 am

Tues. 10-17-06 Barbara Breider...Rain, light rain...wind SE, gusts to 30 mph...Moon waning cresent...rise 2:43 am...set 4:25 pm

Wed. 11-15-06 Tracy Roberts...Mostly cloudy, overcast, fog...Wind SE, gusts to 17 mph...Moon waning cresent....rise 1:30 am...set 2:07 pm

Sun. 11-19-06 Kim Raffo....Mostly cloudy, overcast....Wind NW, gusts to 20 mph...Moon waning cresent...rise 5:33 am...set 3:37 pm

GB4

Mon. 7-9-07 Maureen Brainard Barnes....Mostly clear...Wind variable, gusts to 21 mph...Moon waning cresent...rise 12:56 am...set 3:48 pm

Sun. 7-12-09 Melissa Barthelemy....Rain, clouds, clear by 8 pm...Wind West, gusts to 21 mph...Moon waning gibbous...rise 10:57 pm...set 10:32 am

Sun. 6-6-10 Megan Waterman....Overall cloudy w/occasional clearing and rain...Wind W/SW gusts to 32 mph...Moon waning cresent... rise 1:33 am..set 2:35 pm

Thur. 9-2-10 Amber Costello...Mostly clear/ a few clouds...Wind South, gusts to 17mph....No Moonrise....set at 3:12pm

source: wunderground

None of the conditions on these dates sound ideal for being on the water in these 3 locations and if it's windy on shore the conditions are worse at sea or on the ICW. Most of the dates indicate dark and stormy nights, even on the two full moons. Pay attention to the times of moonrise and phases. Some are day moons and some don't rise until after midnight. Whether it is one predator or three separate predators in each location, I thought the results were interesting and am interested in your thoughts as well.

Y'all feel free to fact check me because my eyes aren't what they used to be, LOL.

ETA: If there is one thing that boat captains follow on a daily basis, it is the weather, winds, and astronomy.

 

[waltzingmatilda]

http://www.wvgazette.com/article/20150720/GZ01/150729934

Police said on Saturday a Charleston woman shot and killed a man she met on Backpage.com, a site often used to find escorts, after he attacked her. The woman, who was not charged in the death, allegedly used the man’s own gun to kill him after he beat and strangled her.

Charleston Police Lt. Steve Cooper, chief of detectives, believes the man killed may have been involved in similar crimes before, based in part on items found in the man’s vehicle Monday.

“We’ve made progress today regarding his identity and gathering the evidence which may be related to crimes across the country,” he said.

- See more at: http://www.wvgazette.com/article/20150720/GZ01/150729934#sthash.fJU2m7qq.dpuf

http://www.wchstv.com/news/features...rimes-Across-Nation-170580.shtml#.VbANdPlVikq

In its investigation of this exclusive story, Eyewitness News obtained some disturbing pictures of what was found in Falls' Subaru that paint a clear picture of what he likely planned to do to the woman. There was a shovel, sledgehammer, bleach, a bulletproof vest, various knives, a machete, a shovel, axes and trash bags. In his pocket when he went into the intended victim's home, there were four sets of handcuffs and a 9 mm pistol.

Falls was shot and killed about 3 p.m. Saturday after he went to a home on Sixth Avenue to meet up with a woman he met on the website Backpage, where she had offered services as an escort.

Pictures of evidence found in his car.....

https://www.facebook.com/eyewitnessnewscharleston/posts/10153575505787845


Just posting this as FYI because this guy is 45 years old and there is no telling where he's been. His plates were from Oregon.

 

[bessie]

I read that article a few weeks ago. I forget who posted it, but thank you again for reposting it. It was in April and I do think it is odd that this is happening again there. I know there is great danger in what these women do, and it does happen but really how many times in a small area? She was found so near to the first victim it is scary. I do think he changed his MO, he knows that one slip up and LE finds any trace of his DNA again and they are again on his trial. It is only a matter of time IMO. The economy is back and so is he.

Close indeed. Jenkins' body was found in a boarded up house literally a few blocks from where Laquetta Gunther's body was found ten years ago. The Jenkins location is also close to the site where Chastity Starr's remains were found in James Maxwell's backyard.

Maxwell could not have killed Jenkins because he's been incarcerated for a couple of years. Nor is he considered a suspect in Gunther's murder. If Gunther's killer (DBSK) is not responsible for Jenkins' death, then three different killers have left behind the bodies of three different victims clustered within a very narrow proximity -- one strangled, one (apparently) beaten, and another shot to death. Considering the circumstances -- drugs, prostitution -- perhaps it's not such a remarkable coincidence. Who knows. But it sure stands out on a map.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=z_2Z3pe8fjYo.kIHiNJTfTSDc&usp=sharing

---

More about Faith Jenkins. She'd moved to Florida from West Virginia just a few months prior to her murder.


Woman killed in Daytona was mother of 4 from West Virginia
By Lyda Longa
Published: Monday, April 27, 2015 at 4:32 p.m. - Last Modified: Monday, April 27, 2015 at 4:34 p.m.

DAYTONA BEACH — Faith Jenkins’ older brother just wanted his little sister to go back home to West Virginia.
Now all Terry Jenkins Jr. wants is for someone to catch the person who killed the mother of four.

In a telephone interview from his home in Charles Town, West Virginia, Monday morning, Terry Jenkins, 37, said he was not happy that his sister had left Charles Town to come to Daytona Beach with a cousin in December. Relatives also expressed dismay that 35-year-old Faith Jenkins had been arrested for prostitution here even though they acknowledged that she had struggled with drugs for years — especially heroin.

[...]
A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of her killer, said police Chief Mike Chitwood.

The chief said Faith Jenkins’ body was found under a piece of aluminum siding. Her underwear was about 10 yards from her body. She was also barefoot, but her shoes and pants have not been found, Chitwood said.

http://www.news-journalonline.com/article/20150427/news/150429560?p=1&tc=pg&tc=ar

---

DBPD Looking For Help To Solve Murder Of Homeless Woman

[...]
In a press conference held Thursday afternoon at DBPD headquarters, Chitwood says Jenkins was found partially naked in the back yard and that she had probably been there for at least a day before her body was found.

The incident report shows police found 2 condom wrappers and a pair of panties a few feet away from Jenkins’ body, though Chitwood wouldn’t definitively say at this point that Jenkins was sexually assaulted before she was murdered.

An autopsy done by the Volusia County Medical Examiner’s Office indicates that Jenkins’ death was a homicide, according to Chitwood, though he declined to go into specifics as to why investigators think she was murdered.

“There was no outward trauma to the body,” Chitwood added. “There was internal trauma.”

Chitwood also wouldn’t rule out the possibility of a connection to the series of serial prostitution murders in the city nearly a decade ago, but he said the preliminary information didn’t indicate that Jenkins’ murder was related to those unsolved cases or the still-wanted suspect.

[...]
Anyone with information can contact DBPD at 386-671-5100 or Crime Stoppers at 888-277-8477 to remain anonymous and possibly qualify for a cash reward.

http://newsdaytonabeach.com/womans-death-at-vacant-daytona-beach-home-called-suspicious/

 

[c24825]

Not Brevard, actually Volusia, but skeletal remains found in Oak Hill! Not sure if they are related, but it really wouldn't surprise me. http://www.wesh.com/news/human-skull-found-in-rural-volusia-county/34526734

 

[LR1]

Besides drugs and prostitution I was thinking another commonality might be homelessness or the area of homeless services and assistance places like North st. between N. Segrave and Ridgewood. In fact that whole couple of blocks from Madison to Segrave to North to Ridgewood, there's homeless services, food banks, little bars that one victim was known to frequent. There's junkyards, auto repair shops, a small industrial looking area.

I have no doubt these victims were familiar with this area. I'm not saying they we're all homeless when they were killed but it's likely each one had at one time used the services in the area or even used the area for their services.

Take a ride down North st. towards Ridgewood in street view to get a idea of what the atmosphere of the area is like. The google car has been down it several times.

Trying to put this politely, those who we're killed during or after a sexual transaction were not the craigslist or backpage type solicitors, these were the bottom of the ladder type. All in this profession are vulnerable but these were highly vulnerable and the killer knew this and fed off of it like a bottom feeder

 

[bessie]

Besides drugs and prostitution I was thinking another commonality might be homelessness or the area of homeless services and assistance places like North st. between N. Segrave and Ridgewood. In fact that whole couple of blocks from Madison to Segrave to North to Ridgewood, there's homeless services, food banks, little bars that one victim was known to frequent. There's junkyards, auto repair shops, a small industrial looking area.

I have no doubt these victims were familiar with this area. I'm not saying they we're all homeless when they were killed but it's likely each one had at one time used the services in the area or even used the area for their services.

Take a ride down North st. towards Ridgewood in street view to get a idea of what the atmosphere of the area is like. The google car has been down it several times.

Trying to put this politely, those who we're killed during or after a sexual transaction were not the craigslist or backpage type solicitors, these were the bottom of the ladder type. All in this profession are vulnerable but these were highly vulnerable and the killer knew this and fed off of it like a bottom feeder

Regarding the bolded statement, both were true in the case of Jenkins, and very likely some of the others.

[...]
Chitwood said Faith Jenkins frequented the back of the house on Kingston where she was found murdered.

[..]
A Daytona Beach incident report shows that Laurence Hopkins, 48, identified as Faith Jenkins’ ex-boyfriend, approached Faith Jenkins on March 20 just after 10 a.m. as she stood in line at the homeless assistance center at 340 North St. waiting to get some free clothes.

http://www.news-journalonline.com/article/20150427/news/150429560?p=2&tc=pg

 

[bessie]

Another article about the remains found in Volusia County on Monday.


OAK HILL, Fla. — Someone clearing brush in Oak Hill found part of a human skull, according to the Volusia County Sheriff's Office.

The discovery was made Monday evening in the area of Reed Grove Road near Daytona Beach.

Volusia County sheriff's spokesman Gary Davidson said the skull appears to have been there for some time. Investigators also found a human femur, officials said.
http://www.wftv.com/news/news/local/human-skull-found-person-clearing-brush/nnCgT/

 

[MEMEto5]

Wow WM,

That is one great post, so much work and thought went into all of this. You give me a lot to think about. I am just looking at Daytona and I-4 and trying to see some pattern there, but I think they are separate killings now from Up North, LISK and NJ. Only because of the MO. I see some one who took a lot of care in the 4 LISK and the 4 in AC. The ones in Daytona, well he used them like a toilet. Literally. The ones on I-4 I don't know what was done to them, expect they were discarded like the Daytona 4. Kristen Dunn, she was just toss by a side of a road too. But the fishing industry is interesting. Construction follows the same timing too. So I have to think about some things. Thank you for posting this.

Reading thru oldo posts and see ideas of construction workers, fisherman. Carnival companies follow a schedule tour and also frequent Florida around those months.

 

[waltzingmatilda]

Reading thru oldo posts and see ideas of construction workers, fisherman. Carnival companies follow a schedule tour and also frequent Florida around those months.

Yes Carnival companies are another profession I thought about as well. I tried to research any events in the area but so much time has passed that I couldn't find anything. But most events, fairs, boat shows, sporting events, occur annually in the same month and week.....2nd week in Oct. for example.

I read an article a few years back about a woman found clinging to life in S FL. The man responsible was an event worker from LA IIRC. He sneaked her out of the hotel where he was staying in a suitcase.

 

[LR1]

Regarding the bolded statement, both were true in the case of Jenkins, and very likely some of the others.

[...]
Chitwood said Faith Jenkins frequented the back of the house on Kingston where she was found murdered.

[..]
A Daytona Beach incident report shows that Laurence Hopkins, 48, identified as Faith Jenkins’ ex-boyfriend, approached Faith Jenkins on March 20 just after 10 a.m. as she stood in line at the homeless assistance center at 340 North St. waiting to get some free clothes.

http://www.news-journalonline.com/article/20150427/news/150429560?p=2&tc=pg

Faiths story is a sad one, I'd sure like them to find who did that to her. I take it they don't think her so called BF did it. I think it was 3 out of the first 4 were found with only socks and here we have some of her clothing missing. I don't know, would they tell us if they knew through DNA or because of some signature that she was killed by the same person? I'm not convinced they would. On the other hand its several years removed from 06-08, with the number of people coming and going from DB and the transient population this could easily be someone else. Oddly enough I don't have a gut feeling on this one.

Mr. Hopkins, lol yeah what a nice guy he is. The rest of the paragraph went..

According to the report, Hopkins punched Faith Jenkins twice in the face. When he left the scene, Faith Jenkins took refuge inside the center and police were called.

 

[bessie]

Faiths story is a sad one, I'd sure like them to find who did that to her. I take it they don't think her so called BF did it. I think it was 3 out of the first 4 were found with only socks and here we have some of her clothing missing. I don't know, would they tell us if they knew through DNA or because of some signature that she was killed by the same person? I'm not convinced they would. On the other hand its several years removed from 06-08, with the number of people coming and going from DB and the transient population this could easily be someone else. Oddly enough I don't have a gut feeling on this one.

Mr. Hopkins, lol yeah what a nice guy he is. The rest of the paragraph went..

According to the report, Hopkins punched Faith Jenkins twice in the face. When he left the scene, Faith Jenkins took refuge inside the center and police were called.

The part about the missing shoes stuck out to me, too. It was late April in Florida, and considering that a month earlier she visited the homeless center to get free clothes, I suppose it's possible she had no shoes (which breaks my heart to consider). But she certainly wasn't walking around without pants. Yet none were found a the scene.

The chief said Faith Jenkins’ body was found under a piece of aluminum siding. Her underwear was about 10 yards from her body. She was also barefoot, but her shoes and pants have not been found, Chitwood said.

http://www.news-journalonline.com/article/20150427/news/150429560?p=1&tc=pg&tc=ar

Would they let us know if there was a DNA match? In most cases, I'd be inclined to say no. But the information released by this LE agency exceeds the norm. In fact, as far as I know, Chitwood is the only LE authority in the area even to use the word "serial killer". So I have a hunch that if there were a DNA match, the public would know. It's hard to guess, though, because so many factors could come into play. At least he did acknowledge the possibility of a connection to the earlier murders, which says he's keeping an open mind and will take measures to confirm or rule out a link.

"It does not fit the M.O., but then again, if you have a serial killer, they're going to change their ways, especially in today's world," Chitwood said. "They are probably more astute than any of us in this room, as far as what detectives are going to do, what the media is going to report, and things like that. So, obviously, it's something in the back of our minds."

http://www.mynews13.com/content/new...icles/cfn/2015/4/23/body_found_at_abando.html

 

[Skully]

I know the other woman at least 3 of them were left with their sock on. Faith is left without shoes and it is possible that she didn't have socks on her feet or they would be left behind. I think this person takes the shoes as a trophy of some kind. The cloths I would think he got rid or, just because of DNA transfer, who knows he could be keeping them as well. Wonder if anyone in the area knows of a guy with a weird shoe collection?

 

[bessie]

Here's the article where the socks and the car were mentioned.

Tips pour in after TV show on Daytona serial killer
By Lyda Longa
Daytona Beach News Journal
Published: Saturday, March 26, 2011 at 5:30 a.m. - Last Modified: Wednesday, August 15, 2012 at 12:15 p.m.

[...]
Based on tire tracks left at the scene of one of the shootings, investigators believe the killer may have been driving -- or still drives -- a 2003 Ford Taurus or Mercury Sable. The tires that left their mark in the mud at that murder scene -- the second killing in January 2006 -- were the factory tires placed on either the Taurus or the Mercury when those cars rolled off the assembly line, Malek said.

[...]
Malek also said the car could be someone's company vehicle.
Additionally, all four women were found nude, but the killer left socks on three of his four victims, police said.


ETA: What is it about SK's and socks?

http://www.websleuths.com/forums/showthread.php?67792-CO-Orange-Sock-Mystery-Annette-Schnee-amp-Bobbie-Jo-Oberholtzer-Breckenridge-1982

http://www.websleuths.com/forums/showthread.php?60616-TX-Georgetown-%28Williamson-County%29-quot-Orange-Socks-quot-WhtFem-33UFTX-20-27-Oct-79&p=1651595#post1651595

 

[Skully]

Here is a link to an article explaining MO VS Signatures in serial crimes. I think his signature in this is he kills prostitutes and leaves the feet without shoes and the victim without or clothing.

It feels like he is leaving them to be found naked and exposed, in an attempt to humiliate them even more as to how they are found.

http://policelink.monster.com/training/articles/16342-modus-operandi-vs-offender-signature