TX TX - Cheryl Henry, 22, & Andy Atkinson, 21, Houston, 21 Aug 1990

[Rocky1]

Mocity:
I read this entire blog, and there has been discussion on the golf clubs.
Questions as to whether Cheryl and Andy may have been attacked in the car with them before they were lead out into the woods.
I know that LE doesn't give all of the details, but I did read that one of your thoughts was that they were out of the car hitting Golf Balls at the time they were ambushed.
I have a few questions.
Did your sister go barefoot a lot? we know her shoes/sneakers were found inside of the car, so, do you think she would have got out of the car barefoot, if they were hitting Golf Balls?
Was that area lit well enough to see what they were hitting, if they in fact were hitting Golf Balls?
My other question is... Did they ever find your Step-Sisters clothes?


Another thing. I'd like to make a correction on. In my previous post. I posted that Cheryl/Andy, Tara, and the rape victim were all attacked after the clubs closed. After re-reading, I see that Chery; and Andy could have been attacked anytime after 11 PM.

 

[Rocky1]

I am leaning away from the bad group of friends that Cheryl was hanging around with, being responsible for this crime.
I agree with LE. Someone would have opened their mouth by now, especially if they were heavy drug users and heavy drinkers. At some point, they would have lowered their guard.
Combine this thought with as far as we know, they were not affiliated with the rape victim from two months earlier, and they were all questioned by LE. after the crime.
JMO.

 

[mocity]

@Rocky1

The golf club and golf balls were outside of the car. They said the golf balls were lined up like they were pointing to the direction Cheryl was found. This suggested they may have been out of the car at one point hitting balls. I have never heard they were attacked with a club. It was just there.
http://www.khou.com/article/news/in...y-to-help-solve-lovers-lane-murders/492796954 This recent article and video talk about the club and balls. If you watch the video it shows how this area looked at that time versus now being built up. They were on a paved cul de sac so I would assume there were lights but I don't know for sure.

As to the barefoot question... I don't really remember that being a thing with her.

Yes they found her clothes with her. This article mentions it. https://www.chron.com/news/houston-...old-clues-in-lovers-lane-slayings-1634109.php

 

[Rocky1]

@Rocky1

The golf club and golf balls were outside of the car. They said the golf balls were lined up like they were pointing to the direction Cheryl was found. This suggested they may have been out of the car at one point hitting balls. I have never heard they were attacked with a club. It was just there.
http://www.khou.com/article/news/in...y-to-help-solve-lovers-lane-murders/492796954 This recent article and video talk about the club and balls. If you watch the video it shows how this area looked at that time versus now being built up. They were on a paved cul de sac so I would assume there were lights but I don't know for sure.

As to the barefoot question... I don't really remember that being a thing with her.

Yes they found her clothes with her. This article mentions it. https://www.chron.com/news/houston-...old-clues-in-lovers-lane-slayings-1634109.php

Thank you:
I read a comment here where someone thought that because there was blood in the car, and someone mentioned a bloody Golf Club, that they were thinking the attacker may have used this before they were led into the woods.
I was asking because over time the facts/stories can change.
For example. After watching the links you posted, there is no mention of the clubs having blood on them.
In your second link, it is said that Houston PD found her car instead of a security guard. I know you have posted many times it was a security guard.
I am thinking along the lines that they both were in the car with the seats reclined, and were attacked by surprise.
I would think that if they did decide to get out of the car to hit golf balls, that they would have uprighted the seats when they sat up, before they got out of the car. I am not sure if the windows were down, but unless they were listening to the radio from outside while hitting golf balls, they would have not left the key on "ACC"
I think the attacker returned to the car after he killed them in an attempt to rob any valuables, and that's where the blood came from. He must have had a lot of blood on him.
I know her purse was found in the car, but not sure if he looked inside for money or not. That's when he took the club out. and pointed it in Cheryls direction.
I am only basing the robbery thought on the previous rape victim, who was also robbed. I don't think he bothered checking Andys pockets at the moment, because he was preoccupied with restraining them both and after, there was just too much blood IMO.
I asked about her clothing, because he had to wipe his hands someplace and I wasn't sure if her clothing was bloody or not. If they were, I'd guess that's where he wiped his hands, because they were removed before she was killed.

 

[Rocky1]

It has also been said that Andy was tied up to the tree and the reason was so he could be forced to watch Cheryl being raped.
Her body was found 100 yards away. It would be hard to see that far in the dark.
If she was killed closer to Andy, then burried back in the woods more, there would have been a blood trail. IMO, even if as you say, the bottom of her feet were clean, and she was carried.

You posted that it rained hard that night. Do you think the rain may have cleaned the bottom of her feet?

 

[Rocky1]

After looking at the video showing what the area looks like back in 1990, I don't see any light posts at the end of the Cul-Se-sac.
Unless the club was found in front of the car where they may have used the headlights to see, I am leaning away from the thought they were hitting Golf Balls.

 

[Rocky1]

Just to add, On Aug 21,1990, there was no moonlight because it was a new moon.
This is another reason I don't think they were hitting Golf Balls without any light.

https://www.calendar-12.com/moon_calendar/1990/august

 

[Rocky1]

If someone was on foot, That means they would have had to either know Cheryl and Andy were going to show, or were lying in wait for someone else. To me, because they brought rope, and a knife, they had planned on tying someone up in advance. It also means they would have had to hang around in hopes that someone would show up.
It would be nice to know if the tracking dogs were used to try and track a scent through the woods.
We know they were used to find Cheryls body. According to the weather reports, There were heavy thunderstorms on Aug 21, before Cheryl and Andy left the club, and there was a thunderstorm between 2:30 and 3:30 pm on Aug 22,, along with light rain around 4 pm for a short while, before the bodies were found later that evening. If the dogs were able to track Cheryls scent, I don't see why they couldn't track the exit of the killer, if he was on foot.

https://www.wunderground.com/histor...statename=&reqdb.zip=&reqdb.magic=&reqdb.wmo=
https://www.wunderground.com/histor...statename=&reqdb.zip=&reqdb.magic=&reqdb.wmo=

 

[Rocky1]

I'd like to know the thickness of the Hemp rope used to tie Cheryl and Andy up.
Hemp is known for it's strength, although it's not as common as it once was. For marine use it's not all that great because it rots fast when wet.
I know Tree cutters and construction workers use thick Hemp rope, say about an inch thick or more.
Thinner Hemp could be used to tie things down in the back of a pick up truck.
Just throwing out thoughts.

 

[hsnmef]

The composite sketch of the suspect looks like just like a guy I used to work with back during that time. His name was GH and he was a maintenance supervisor at an apartment complex I worked at. Bayou Mama's was a very popular club back in town at that time. I remember him saying he went there, it made an impression on me because I did too and he always gave me the creeps. Our mutual employer was Greystone Management, their headquarters was located at that time on Sweetwater Blvd in Sugarland. I believe they later became Greystar Management.

 

[Rocky1]

The composite sketch of the suspect looks like just like a guy I used to work with back during that time. His name was GH and he was a maintenance supervisor at an apartment complex I worked at. Bayou Mama's was a very popular club back in town at that time. I remember him saying he went there, it made an impression on me because I did too and he always gave me the creeps. Our mutual employer was Greystone Management, their headquarters was located at that time on Sweetwater Blvd in Sugarland. I believe they later became Greystar Management.

If you look at the notes on the sketch, it appears that LE at first thought the suspect could have been Latin.The words "Latin" with a question mark are on the photo.
DNA confirmed that he is a White European.
I do believe that the nightclubs do play a role in this crime, in that this guy frequented nightclubs.
I also believe that the $20.00 bill was a message of some sort.

 

[mocity]

It has also been said that Andy was tied up to the tree and the reason was so he could be forced to watch Cheryl being raped.
Her body was found 100 yards away. It would be hard to see that far in the dark.
If she was killed closer to Andy, then burried back in the woods more, there would have been a blood trail. IMO, even if as you say, the bottom of her feet were clean, and she was carried.

You posted that it rained hard that night. Do you think the rain may have cleaned the bottom of her feet?

I read somewhere about Andy being forced to watch but I think that is speculation. I have never heard that from LE. Like you said that is a good ways away and it would have been very dark.

 

[mocity]

I am adding a map to show the distance between the Mens Club,( where Tara Breckenridge was working the night she disappeared) and where Stephanies car was found.
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/29....81aacf9eb50511!2m2!1d-95.4661357!2d29.7335421

The distance is just over 5 miles, on the same road. (Westheimer)

Mocity. I know you said that LE has not connected these cases to your Step Sister, but have they ruled them out?

I dont think they have been ruled out.

 

[mocity]

The composite sketch of the suspect looks like just like a guy I used to work with back during that time. His name was GH and he was a maintenance supervisor at an apartment complex I worked at. Bayou Mama's was a very popular club back in town at that time. I remember him saying he went there, it made an impression on me because I did too and he always gave me the creeps. Our mutual employer was Greystone Management, their headquarters was located at that time on Sweetwater Blvd in Sugarland. I believe they later became Greystar Management.

Would you mind calling this in as a tip? Houston Police Department - Detective Shorten (Cold Case Unit) - 713-308-3600.

 

[mocity]

If you look at the notes on the sketch, it appears that LE at first thought the suspect could have been Latin.The words "Latin" with a question mark are on the photo.
DNA confirmed that he is a White European.
I do believe that the nightclubs do play a role in this crime, in that this guy frequented nightclubs.
I also believe that the $20.00 bill was a message of some sort.

LE stressed the fact that the DNA is of a white male. DNA is who raped her. If there was more than one person the others could have been hispanic, black, etc.

 

[Rocky1]

LE stressed the fact that the DNA is of a white male. DNA is who raped her. If there was more than one person the others could have been hispanic, black, etc.

Ok. I was under the impression that the sketch was obtained from the rape victim, two months before Cheryl was killed, where in that case the suspect acted alone, and was a white male.
Is this accurate?

 

[mocity]

Ok. I was under the impression that the sketch was obtained from the rape victim, two months before Cheryl was killed, where in that case the suspect acted alone, and was a white male.
Is this accurate?

You are correct that the sketch was done in conjunction with the rape victim - years after the crime happened (sketch done in 2008). In her case he did act alone so it would make sense he would act alone in Cheryl and Andy's case too. However, after talking with our detective, the scenario where it could be more than one person hasn't been ruled out.

 

[Rocky1]

You are correct that the sketch was done in conjunction with the rape victim - years after the crime happened (sketch done in 2008). In her case he did act alone so it would make sense he would act alone in Cheryl and Andy's case too. However, after talking with our detective, the scenario where it could be more than one person hasn't been ruled out.

Thank you Mocity.
I am not sure he acted alone in Chery's case . I am leaning that way though for two reasons.
1)It's hard enough for one person to keep this secret let alone two for this long without telling someone.
2) Where as a gun was used in the rape victims case. it would not be hard for someone to control two people holding a gun on one, while instructing the other to do as told. Expecially if they are being told at that time, they are just going to be robbed etc.
The reason I asked is, because hnsmef seemed to think this particular sketch is that of a hispanic male he/she knew, (based on the name) when it has been determined in this particular case( the rape victim) the suspect was white.
I was thinking it's possible that say Tommy smith could have been adopted by the H family, but with a first name of "G" I am not so sure.
I am in no way suggesting that hnsmef does not call the tipline. I think any tip is a good thing to call in, I am just trying to put two and two together, and make it add up to four. LE has much more information than we do, and who knows. maybe they have received other tips about said person and can decide to run with it, or not.

I am doubting this guy was on foot, laying in wait for many reasons.
1) Due to the severity/ methods of the wounds, IMO this attack was personal. He/they would have had to know the Cheryl and Andy were going to show up before hand, and lie in wait carrying rope. If Cheryl and Andy were only dating for a few weeks, I may be wrong, but I doubt they had established habit of parking there on a nightly basis as to where someone would hang around knowing for sure they were going to park there.
IMO Cheryl and Andy themselves didn't know they were going to end up there until they decided to leave the club early. Maybe Mocity can tell us more on that.
2) The weather. There were thunderstorms before Andy and Cheryl left the club from 6:40 that night til 10:00 PM. I don't think many people would hang around in the woods during a night of thunderstorms, getting soaked and eaten alive by mosquitos on a chance.
3) The area. Mocity tells us that area was a place where "many" gathered to drink beer. If someone was going to pick that spot on a chance someone would show up, and if that person knew that area as a place where "many" hung around in a group, I don't think he would have selected that spot.
4) I see nightclubs being a factor in not in Cherly and Andys crime, but the rape victim and Tara Breckenridge as well. IMO, the suspect was at Bayou Mammas at the same time Andy and Cheryl were there. If that is the case, that would have been a long walk to the crime scene, not knowing if they were even going there.
Just thoughts. Anyone else agree, or disagree?
Sorry for such long posts.

 

[Rocky1]

I would like to know if the rape victim's boyfriend (the pilot) used to hang around Gigi's when his girlfriend was working.
Whoever attacked her knew/knew of him.
If he did work there, he may have stuck up a conversation with this guy and mentioned she was his gf and that he was a pilot heading out say tomorrow night.
If he didn't hang around there. This tells me that the victim knew her attacker enough as to mention her bf and his profession to him.
IMO this attack was also personal due to the almost 11 mile drive and the collection of personal information ie. full name, address, bf's profession,etc.
I know that in previous discussions, some seemed to thing the suspect is gay and was hoping that the victims bf was home at the time of the attack and Andy was also the target.
I disagree.
My thoughts are that this guy had a hatred towards women, and in both cases, and possibly a few others (Tara Beckenridge and Stephanie Buellers) the women were the targets. The 20 dollar bill left at Cheryls crime scene tells me that.
IMO he possibly had an abusive mother that was a prostitute and or an exotic dancer, and has an enormous amount of hate towards her.
I know that Cheryl and Tara were both waitresses and not dancers, but they both worked at "Gentlemans Clubs", and so did the rape victim.
I know it was two years since Cheryl was a waitress at Ricks, but he may have remembered her from there.

Just to add:
Some think he may have been a security guard at a club, because he was wearing a uniform at the rape victims home.
If he was a security guard, he may have also worked the second shift someplace else, and went to the clubs after work.
I know the timeline would be close in Cheryls case if he worked 3-11 but he could have worked 2-10, or it could have been his night off.
I would think by now that any security guard working at clubs in the area at the time would have been investigated.

 

[hsnmef]

Would you mind calling this in as a tip? Houston Police Department - Detective Shorten (Cold Case Unit) - 713-308-3600.

I will be glad to call it in Mo City. I saw this sketch and about fell out of my chair. This sketch could not look more like this guy I used to work with if he had sat there and let the artist sketch him in person. It looks just like he did at that time. I don't really know much about him, but he was a very fair olive skinned man, taller than me (I am 5,11), lean muscular build, dark hair and brown eyes. I don't know much about him other than I remember he had other family that worked for the same company. A cousin, and an aunt. He had worked for the company for several years at different properties with other co-workers I knew and worked with. I was about 21 at that time, and he was 5-10 years older than I was. I can't speak to any of the details of the DNA results, but I did read somewhere that the rape victim who survived said her attacker had been wearing a dark shirt and matching pants possibly a uniform of some kind. Our maintenance men wore navy blue uniforms with shirts and pants made out of the same fabric. The resemblance is uncanny, though they say eye witness identification is not the most reliable, certainly DNA is more accurate, it would be interesting to see if LE could dig up an old Driver's License photo or perhaps a license photo for his Air Conditioning certification from the State of Texas and throw those into a photo line up to see if the rape victim could pick him out since she is the one that gave the description to the sketch artist.