ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, Va. (ROCKTOWN NOW) – Authorities believe they have finally solved a nearly three decade-old murder case in Shenandoah National Park.
Julianne Williams and Laura “Lolly” Winans went hiking with their dog in the park on May 24, 1996. The Dog was found wandering several days later and, following a search, the bodies of both women were discovered on June 1.
Stanley Meador, special agent in charge of the FBI Richmond Field Office, explained during a press conference, Walter Leo Jackson Sr., from Cleveland, was the man responsible for the crime.
“Even though we had this DNA match, we took additional steps and compared evidence from Lolly and Julianne’s murders directly to a buccal swab containing Jackson’s DNA,” Meador said. “Sadly, as a result of the retest and further DNA comparison, we are now able to say both Lolly and Julianne were sexually assaulted.
Jackson, who was considered a serial rapist, spent several terms in prison and was incarcerated when he died in March 2018.
US Attorney Chris Kavanaugh added that if Jackson were alive today, he would have been charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
The FBI is currently seeking more information on Jackson’s other possible victims, according to the Bureau’s Most Wanted page.
This is a developing story.
