NC NC - Neely Smith, 5, Charlotte, 18 Feb 1981

[mysteriew]

I am a 27 year old man that just happens to be one of Neelys Cousin. I heard alot about her growing up as 1 of 5 sons , stories , and warnings over n over again when i was a child. "You need to watch those kinds of people" , and " You didnt know what might have happened if you had gone with them , you dont know them , look what happened to your lil cousin Neely"! I cant recall anything of her myself , as we were distant cousins , but close enough my mom and dad talked about her all the time. I was what...3 years old when she was brutily attacked and visiously murdered. I was just sitting around my house thinking about my family that i have now. I am a Married man with 2 small boys, and i got to thinking.....What would i do if something like that happened to one of my own. When this thought enetered my mind , i just happen to recall all those storys i heard about Neely growing up , and alll i was told of her. Scared me to death. So the 1st thing i chose to to was do a research about it on Google. I found a link to this site , and the forums and found you guys. Thank you so much for actually caring enough to see to it that Neelys Killer does NOT get away. You all kept your eyes and ears open for Neely , and it is people like yourselves that help these familys,(Mine Included) , get over these tragidies and let them know , they are not alone. I know i didnt just help solve this case,nor any other. But i felt that it was my duty as Neelys Cousin to atleast give my word of thanks to each and every one of you out there keeping the hope alive.Many prayers and thanks to you all. And to Richard , a very Special thanks for starting this Forum which gave the the oppertunity to be able to read all your words of knowledge and all your prayers. Thanks.

James Campbell

S.C, Welcome to the forum! Feel free to jump in and post anything you may remember, or things you may have heard from family members. Will would be happy to hear about them.

 

[Richard]

Since we have been discussing Neely Smith's suspected killer, and the possibility of his parole, it is fitting to remember that Fred Howard Coffey has a long record of child molestation, and is also suspected in the homicide of two other children:

• On July 25, 1975: Kathy Lynn Beatty, 14, of Aspen Hill, MD (Montgomery County), was found in the woods behind a local K-Mart store, raped and beaten with a fractured skull. She lived for two weeks before dying from her injuries on August 5. The crime occurred less than a mile from where Coffey worked at the time. Coffey quit his job on July 31, and left the area.
• Travis Shane King, 8, disappeared from his home at the Eastridge Apartment complex in Bristol Virginia, on August 21, 1986. A day later, his body was found near a lake about 17 miles from his home. An autopsy indicated that he died of asphyxiation. Coffey was living in Bristol at the time, and Travis was seen with Coffey shortly before he disappeared.

I think it should also be mentioned that Coffey has been a strong suspect in the 1975 disappearance of the Lyon Sisters (see thread) since 1987.

In my opinion, this is an individual who should never be released into society again.

Fred Coffey served in the Navy from 1962 until 1974, and during that time, he traveled around and was stationed on both coasts of the United States. He also did a tour in Viet Nam. That was three full enlistments, and he had already signed papers to re-enlist for a fourth. Unfortunately for Fred, his proclivities and sexual misconduct caught up with him. Fred drove up to a convience store in Virginia Beach, Va where he saw the 13-year-old daughter of a fellow Navy man (a neighbor of his) exiting the store. He told the young girl that her parents had been badly injured in an accident and that she should go with him to the hospital to see them. She got into his car, and he drove her, instead, to a beach - where he raped her.

The Navy allowed the Civilian Court to handle the case, which eventually got pleaded down to lesser charges. The Navy cancelled his re-enlistment, and he was given an honorable discharge at the end of his third enlistment on 17 September 1974. A few months later, through Navy contacts, he was in Wheaton, Maryland working for Vitro Laboratories (a Defense Contractor) where he worked from April through July 1975.

Later in 1975, he was arrested and charged with "Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor", again in Virginia Beach. Sometime in that same year, he enlisted in the North Carolina National Guard.

 

[Richard]

....On July 25, 1975: Kathy Lynn Beatty, 14, of Aspen Hill, MD (Montgomery County), was found in the woods behind a local K-Mart store, raped and beaten with a fractured skull. She lived for two weeks before dying from her injuries on August 5. The crime occurred less than a mile from where Coffey worked at the time. Coffey quit his job on July 31, and left the area....

Just a point of clarification. Coffey actually left the area (Wheaton, Maryland) first, possibly before July 31st, WITHOUT NOTICE. He later sent a letter to his employer (Vitro Laboratories), resigning, explaining his sudden departure, and requesting that his final paycheck be mailed to him. His explanation was that his wife and daughter had been in a bad car accident in Virginia, and that he had to leave suddenly to be with them. This was a complete lie - one which Fred used again later when leaving another place under suspicious circumstances.

 

[Richard]

February 18th will mark the 25th Anniversary of the abduction and murder of Five year old Neely Smith.

 

[gardenmom]

Serena,
I don't know if you still read here, but I also had a childhood friend murdered. The feelings you described are some of the same I had at that time. I cannot imagine, though, the pain you feel being the last to see her alive. I also have never forgotten. Her killers (yes there were two, a husband and wife!) were caught. I'm not really sure what happened to her. From what I remember she was lured to their home, taken to another location, I believe sexually abused, and dumped out the top story of a large building, which horribly was right next to our elementary school. It is a really terrible feeling. I remember carrying her obit in my wallet for years. I wanted to remember her. I always wanted to find more info on her now, but I can't find anything on the internet and don't live in the same town anymore.

 

[Richard]

On July 25, 1975: Kathy Lynn Beatty, 14, of Aspen Hill, MD (Montgomery County), was found in the woods behind a local K-Mart store, raped and beaten with a fractured skull. She lived for two weeks before dying from her injuries on August 5. The crime occurred less than a mile from where Coffey worked at the time. Coffey quit his job on July 31, and left the area.

The above information about Kathy's murder occurring less than a mile from where Coffey worked at the time (Vitro Laboratories), is correct, but recent discussion with a person who also worked at Vitro indicates that it was actually much closer. A direct line between Kathy's home and the K-Mart where she was found passes right through what was the Aspen Hill Vitro parking lot. It is within easy walking distance (a few blocks) from both Kathy's home and the school where she was seen that evening.

 

[Malapoo]

I remember the Neely Smith abduction/murder. My parents didn't live far from where she lived and when I'd head home from visiting them, I drove past the creek where these kids supposedly were going fishing with the gray haired man. I don't remember the exact time fram after she disappeared, but one weekend as I left, there were searchers all over the creek area.

 

[Richard]

...
Travis Shane King, 8, disappeared from his home at the Eastridge Apartment complex in Bristol Virginia, on August 21, 1986. A day later, his body was found near a lake about 17 miles from his home. An autopsy indicated that he died of asphyxiation. Coffey was living in Bristol at the time, and Travis was seen with Coffey shortly before he disappeared.....

It appears that Bristol Authorities are in the process of requesting extradition of Fred Coffey from North Carolina to be tried for the Travis King Murder.

 

[Richard]

Travis King Murder
Date 6 September 2006

More than 20-years ago, an eight-year old Bristol boy, Travis Shane King, was murdered. Bristol Virginia police believe that King was lured away from his home by Fred Howard Coffey.

Now Police Chief Bill Price says they have enough circumstantial, scientific and eyewitness evidence to bring Coffey back to stand trial.

Currently Fred Coffey Jr is serving a life sentence in North Carolina for another child murder. He comes up for parole every July. Price says through his departments investigation he asked the Commonwealth`s Attorney to proceed and bring Coffey back to Bristol.

Source:
WCYB NewsCenter5


LINK:
http://www.wcyb.com/newsread.asp?offset=270&newsid=7405

 

[2sisters]

So it seems that Coffey is a child predator/serial killer. I would say it is time for teh FBI maybe to start a timeline on his movements and whereabouts in the 70's up until his incarceration.

 

[Richard]

So it seems that Coffey is a child predator/serial killer. I would say it is time for the FBI maybe to start a timeline on his movements and whereabouts in the 70's up until his incarceration.

Here is a timeline on Fred Howard Coffey, Jr. It is not complete, but might give an idea of where he was at certain times. Coffey owned many different vehicles over the years, and evidently did a lot of traveling.

--------------------------------------------

Fred Howard Coffey, Jr. was born in 1945 on March 17, 19, or 20 (records vary) in either Virginia or North Carolina. By his and his family's account, he was subjected to severe sexual abuse as a child by his father. An eighth-grade dropout, he attended some college courses later in life.

1962 - 1974
------------------------
Coffey enlisted in the Navy at age 17 on May 19, 1962.
His first enlistment was from 1962 thru 1966. Possibly stationed in Norfolk, VA.

His second enlistment ran from 1966 thru 1970. During that time, he served a tour of duty in Viet Nam, and was also stationed in San Diego, California.

He served his third enlistment from 1970 to 1974, with his last duty station being in Norfolk, VA.

Coffey served a total of 12 years in the US Navy and was honorably discharged as a First Class Petty Officer (E-6) on 12 Sept 1974.

In 1974, Coffey had intended to re-enlist for a fourth term of service, but had civilian criminal charges pending in Virginia Beach, VA for the Abduction and Rape of a 13 year-old girl, who was the daughter of another Navy man.

Coffey was denied re-enlistment by the Navy, and he was subsequently convicted on two counts of child molestation stemming from his rape of the girl.

1975
-----------
It is quite possible and likely that Coffey had Navy contacts in the Washington DC - Maryland - Virginia area which helped him land a job as a computer data system employee with Vitro Laboratories (a Defense Contractor specializing in Naval Weapon Systems) of Aspen Hill/Silver Spring, Maryland in early 1975. Records indicate that he worked for them from 24 April 1975, to 31 July 1975. Exactly when he first came to the area from Norfolk, VA has never been determined.

Coffey is considered one of the strongest suspects in the double abduction of sisters; Sheila and Katherine Lyon (12 and 10) from Wheaton, MD on 25 March 1975. (See link below to separate WS forum threads)

Coffey is also viewed as a possible suspect in the 24 July 1975 sexual assault and slaying of 15-year-old Kathy Lynn Beatty of Aspen Hill. Kathy's house was in a subdivision adjacent to the Vitro Laboratories office complex where Coffey worked. Kathy was found badly beaten and left for dead in a nearby ditch. She lived for two weeks before succumbing to her injuries on 5 August 1975. She never regained consciousness.

Coffey quit his job and left town on or about 25 July 1975, when newspaper accounts indicated that Kathy had survived her attack. Coffey later wrote to his employers at Vitro to explain that his wife and daughter had been injured in a Kentucky car accident and that he wished to have his last paycheck (to 31 July) mailed to him. His story about wife and daughter was a lie. He used an identical lie later when leaving another job very suddenly.

After leaving his job with Vitro Laboratories, Coffey went to Virginia and/or North Carolina. He surfaced in the Norfolk, Virginia area in October 1975, when he was charged twice with contributing to the delinquency of a minor and with committing indecent liberties with a 15 year-old girl in Virginia Beach, VA.

1975 - 1982
--------------------
Coffey ended up in North Carolina, where he joined the North Carolina National Guard sometime in 1975 (no exact date was given) as a Field Artillery Operations Specialist, serving 3 years until 1978, with a honorable discharge.

Coffey was married between 1978-1982 and living in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg, NC area. About May 1979, a friend of Coffey's wife called police after her 3-year-old described Coffey masturbating in front of her.

Two months later, on 18 July 1979, a 10 year-old neighbor girl, Amanda Ray was abducted and murdered. Coffey (referred to as "the gray haired man") was the last person seen with her as they left "to go fishing". Amanda was strangled and her body was found near water, in a rural area.

On 18 February 1981, 5 year-old girl, Neely Smith, from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area was abducted and murdered. Coffey lived in the same apartment complex as Neely. Her remains were found near water, in a rural area. She had been raped and strangled.

1982 - 1986
--------------------
In August, 1986, Coffey was back in his hometown of Bristol, Virginia where his mother lived. He had visited Bristol many times over the years. In Bristol, Coffey is considered a prime suspect in the 21 August 1986 death of an 8-year-old boy, Travis Shane King. Travis was seen in the company of Coffey near Eastridge shortly before he disappeared. The little boy's body was found on the shore of Boone Lake. He had been strangled.

By late 1986, Fred Coffey was arrested and brought to Caldwell County, North Carolina, where he pleaded guilty to 9 counts of indecent liberties with a 12 and 13 year old brother and sister, and also with another little girl (he was sentenced to 50 years in prison). These crimes were committed sometime prior to 1986. Prior to his trial, he confessed to a psychologist as having molested approximately 100 children, and that information was admitted into evidence and public record. He was fond of using gimmicks such as a fishing pole, metal detector, and possibly disguises to lure children.

1987 - Present
----------------------
In 1987 Coffey was tried and convicted of 1st degree murder for the 1979 Abduction and Murder of Amanda Ray. Coffey owned a dog - its hairs, found in his van and on Amanda Ray - helped convict him. Two juries sentenced him to death, but through legal maneuverings, a third jury, in 1995, sentenced him to life in prison with all sentences to run concurrently. He immediately became eligible for parole.

Starting in 1987, Montgomery County Police investigators became aware of Fred Coffey and his 1975 presence in Maryland. MCP tried to pinpoint when Coffey first came to a Gaithersburg, MD motel where he was known to have stayed. They obtained Vitro Laboratories employment records. They also tried to get old motor vehicle records to verify reports that he had bought a car in Montgomery about the time of the Lyon girls' disappearance.

Montgomery County Police looked at Coffey as a possible suspect in both the Lyon and Beatty cases in 1987, but could not conclusively place him at either scene.

North Carolina authorities have considered him a strong suspect in the 1981 abduction and murder of Neely Smith. And Bristol, VA authorities consider him the strongest suspect in the murder of Travis Shane King. From time to time, news reports indicate that Coffey will be charged with one or the other of these two murders, but as yet no court action has taken place.

Since 1987, Coffey has been in the North Carolina Corrections system. He has been moved from time to time between prisons. He currently resides in Pender Prison, NC. He comes up for Parole every year in July.

A current photo of Coffey can be seen on the North Carolina Prison System's On-Line Inmate Locator Service. Link:
http://webapps6.doc.state.nc.us/apps/offender/offend1?DOCNUM=0081135&SENTENCEINFO=no&SHOWPHOTO=yes&numtimesin=1

To see another Websleuths forum which discusses Coffey: Sheila and Katherine Lyon - missing since 25 March 1975 from Wheaton, MD Link:
http://www.websleuths.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=97

 

[Richard]

Bumping this thread up. Has anyone heard of any developments in these cases against Fred Coffey?

 

[ShurlT]

Every time I write a resonse and try to save it the website tells me I'm not logged in even though I am logged in and my name appears at the top as having logged in. It takes too long rewrite and everything already written gets knocked out so I'll have to forego for now. Maybe next time.

 

[Richard]

Every time I write a resonse and try to save it the website tells me I'm not logged in even though I am logged in and my name appears at the top as having logged in. It takes too long rewrite and everything already written gets knocked out so I'll have to forego for now. Maybe next time.

I have sometimes had the same problem with this site. When I have a long post to write, I usually do it off-line as an E-mail addressed to myself.

By typing up an E-mail, you can hit the "Send Later" function and then call it up as often as you want to edit the message. Later, when you log on to Websleuths, you can call up your "Message ready to send", put your mouse pointer at the top of your text, hold down the left button and slide the mouse down to the end of your message. This should amplify the text you wish to copy,cut, and paste.

With your text highlighted, hold down the Control (Ctrl) key (bottom left on your keyboard) while hitting the "C" key. This copies your text to memory.

Go to Websleuths and immediately check the top right blocks to see if you need to log in.

Next go to the thread that you wish to post under, select the "Reply" function, and with your mouse pointer in the text area, Hold down the Control key while hitting the "Y" key. This copies your message instantly into the block. After that, you adjust the spacing, check it out, and hit the block that says "Submit Reply".

Hopefully this will work for you. If the system somehow is not working right, and you need to log on again, at least you have not lost your previous typing and can recall it and post it.

 

[ShurlT]

Thanks, Richard. I like the part about not loosing what you've written. Will copy and paste your instructions to an email to self.

 

[ShurlT]

I may have made this statement on the Lyon sisters thread but I'm really wondering if we've been snuckered by Bristol, VA saying they had enough evidence to extradite Coffey. I'm admitting we only discovered this recently in 2006 and maybe they need more time. If I recall correctly, NC made their intentions public about Oct 2005. Did they just make these comments because information became public from another source and they were covering themselves - the same for Bristol - or do they really have something? If the former is the case then it looks like we have a validity gap for these people that renders a lack of confidence from the rest of us who are hoping for something to come of all this.

 

[Richard]

Bumping this thread in memory of Amanda Ray, Neely Smith, Travis Smith, and all the other children molested and murdered by Fred Howard Coffey, Jr.

At age 62, Fred is residing in Pender Prison, North Carolina, looking forward once again to the possibility of parole. Feel free to let the parole board know your thoughts on the matter.

 

[Richard]

Looks like Fred will be spending another year in prison.

Here is some recent internet information regarding Fred Howard Coffey, Jr. and his July 2007 Parole Hearing:

-------------------------------------------------
Coffey, Jr., Fred H. 707

Fred Howard Coffey, Jr.

Conviction: First Degree Murder
DOC# 0081135
Parole Review Date: 7-24-07
Sentence: LIFE
Has Served: 20 yrs 6 mth to date

Crime Story

The body of a ten year old female was found in a wooded area near a lake in Mecklenburg County on July 19, 1979. An autopsy revealed that she had a black eye, bruises and had died of asphyxiation. An investigation began immediately which produced several witnesses linking the victim with someone watching the defendant's description.

The investigation continued for several years eventually revealing that dog hairs on the defendant's couch and in the defendant's van matched dog hairs found on the victim's clothing when her body was found.Fred Howard Coffey was questioned about the death of the victim and was subsequently charged.

Coffey was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death. On appeal, Coffey was re-sentenced to LIFE in prison.

Source:
Coffey, Jr., Fred H. 707

LINK:
http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/CMPD/CPAC/Inmates/A+-+H/Coffey,+Jr.,+Fred+Howard+707.htm
---------------------------------------------------
(Below is a copy of a recent letter sent to the North Carolona Parole Commission)

Chairman Charles L. Mann, Sr.
NC Post Release Supervision & Parole Commission
P.O. Box 29540
Raleigh, NC 27626-0540
Re: Parole Protest for Fred Howard Coffey Jr, DOC #0081135
To Whom It May Concern:

Fred Howard Coffey, Jr’s attack and murder of innocent, defenseless 10 year old Amanda Marie Ray in 1979 speaks loudly and clearly against releasing him from prison to kill, molest and rape again. The public record of his behavior before the murder for which he was convicted and many other crimes (including 5 other murders); which he is a suspect add strong logic for a decision AGAINST releasing Fred Coffey.

Much of what is known about Coffey’s past speaks convincingly AGAINST his release, and there is nothing in his past record that argues persuasively for his release. THIS MAN HAS NOT BEEN REHABILITATED.

Coffey was not brought to justice for this murder until 1986. Two separate juries sentenced him to death, until, on a technicality, the sentence was over-turned and Coffey now serves a life sentence. That fact alone makes a strong case for never allowing him to serve less than his “Life Sentence”. In Fred Howard Coffey’s case, a life sentence should mean prison for the rest of his life.

Even serving the remainder of his life behind bars will never seem a sufficient penalty for taking Amanda’s life. Any less than that would be an injustice that Amanda’s family and his potential victims should he be released into society, should not have to bear.

Sincerely,

Cc: Governor Michael F. Easley
Office of the Governor
20301 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-0301
LINK:
http://www.network-share.com/files/62/ProtestCoffeyParole.doc

---------------------------------------------
(This is from another website regarding Fred Coffey's July 2007 Parole Hearing)

... 7/25/07 * UPDATE: I received word from Amanda's family today with good news...
"Fred Coffey's parole was DENIED for this year..."

"The average inmate up for parole receives 3-5 letters in his/her file per year.... Fred Coffey has several hundred letters in his file this year!
Each letter was placed on the table at the parole review and was in plain sight during their decision making process. This speaks volumes to them that we, as a community, protest Coffey's release.

Our heartfelt thanks goes out to each and every one of you who sent letters to the commission in protest. We could not have done this without you." - Amanda's Family

Source:
Crime in Charlotte, NC
LINK:
http://www.crimeincharlotte.com/2007/07/keep-coffey-behind-bars.html

 

[Kimmell]

Hi everyone.
I'm Kimmell, a new member to your group.
I live here in Belmont, North Carolina, and who happens to know Neil Smith, Neely's dad.
Recently, getting out of prison himself for the shooting death of another man, Neil has had many struggles, loniless, and regets in his life.
I talked to Neil recently about the many years that has passed since Neely was taken from him.
He answered that if Neely had died of a sickness or maybe killed in an accident it would have been easier in dealing with the pain.
But, to have your child murdered by a man who could have thought twice and let her free is something that time will never release from your heart.

Neil stated that the popular tv show, "48 Hours" contacted him and Neely's mother about doing a show on the case, but both feel they do not want to relive the horror of what happened.
Neil understands that the case is not closed with the Mecklenberg Police Department. They have new personell on the case hoping to give Neely's loved one's some answers.

My mother is buried right near Neely Smith in The Greenwood Cemetary here in Belmont.
When I take flowers to mom, I walk over to Neely's grave and place a flower on her headstone.
On Neely's headstone is an oval picture of her holding a glass, with a warm smile.
I always sit and hold Neely in my thoughts while there.

It's so sad and hurtful knowing that Fred Coffey has a warm place to sleep, good food to eat, all the knowledge he can gain from the books that are offered, no worries.
It's so sad that everytime I drive to the cemetary, I have to pass the hill that is the home of this poor child.

Neil get's a far-away look in his eyes when he talks about his "Little Girl".
Neil has many friends that stand by him.
After talking with Neil Smith, you really learn how precious your loved are.

Kimmell

 

[Richard]

Exactly five days after Travis Shane King (age 8) disappeared from his home, this little girl disappeared in Pennsylvania. She has never been found. Could there be a possible link?

-----------------------
Michelle Jolene Lakey, 11, Missing since August 26, 1986 from Scranton, PA

Michelle Jolene Lakey
Missing since August 26, 1986 from Scranton, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania
Classification: Non-Family Abduction

Vital Statistics
Date Of Birth: October 21, 1974
Age at Time of Disappearance: 11 years old
Height and Weight at Time of Disappearance: 5'0; 80 pounds
Distinguishing Characteristics: White female. Dark blonde/brown hair; brown eyes. Lakey had long fingernails at the time of her disappearance.
Clothing: Lakey was last seen wearing dark blue sweatpants; a white shirt with purple trim; and size 8 brown sandals; size 14 clothes.
Dentals: Not available

Circumstances of Disappearance

Lakey visited her mother at Mercy Hospital in Scranton, Pennsylvania on August 26, 1986.

She was last seen returning to her residence on North Washington Avenue, accompanied by a female schoolmate. Lakey was planning on spending the night at her schoolmate’s residence on Myrtle Street.

Lakey may have entered a light yellow car approximately one block from her family's home. No further contact or information has been received to date concerning the whereabouts of Lakey.

Investigators
If you have any information concerning Lakey's whereabouts, please contact:

Scranton Police Department
Corporal Chris Sensi
570-963-3156

OR
Pennsylvania State Police
Troop R
570-963-3156

OR
Criminal Investigation Division is
570-348-4139
Email: [email protected]

You may remain anonymous when submitting information.

Agency Number: R01-0120878
NCMEC #: NCMC601792
NCIC Number: M-241631308

Please refer to these numbers when contacting any agency with information regarding this case.

Source Information:

The National Center For Missing and Exploited Children
California Office of the Attorney General
Pennsylvania State Police
The Doe Network: Case File 314DFPA

link:

http://www.doenetwork.org/cases/314dfpa.html