Portland, OR 97006 (503) 906-1249; NBCs Dateline: The Overlook chronicles how the police zeroed in on David using a letter sent to Kristenes father. They said incidents like this are rare, with the last being five years ago. The following morning, a couple discovered the bodies of the two women in knee-high grass near a scenic lookout in the park, police said. Strickland was sentenced to life in prison without parole in September 2016. While David Strickland was eventually convicted of the murder, evidence at the crime scene initially implicated Dylan Spellman. Chapa attributed a large part of her recovery to her family, especially her mother Grace Chapa, who stayed with her in a physical rehabilitation center for three-and-a-half months. [2], On June 23, 2012, birdwatchers at Violet Andrews Park called police after discovering two women's bodies lying below a viewing deck. Olgin died at the scene and Chapa is in stable condition in the hospital. The Portland, Texas couple was found shot in the head on Saturday, June 23. The Portland, Texas couple was found shot in the head on Saturday, June 23. The city carved $16 million, or 7%, out of its police budget last year. While Mollie Olgin died, her girlfriend, Mary Kristene Chapa, miraculously survived. In September 2016, David stood trial for the shooting. The city carved $16 million, or 7%, out of its police budget last year. 5-year-old dead after double homicide-suicide in Portland. Police have not identified any suspects or announced any arrests. We know fromMollies parents that they were close, he said. Its a difficult situation when you walk in on a welfare check and then you discover three deceased bodies, and especially ones a child.. "My family was there with me, and then my mom she was a big part of it," Kristene Chapa said. Authorities didn't investigate the fatal attack as a hate crime even though the incident happened during Pride weekend. Nearly two years after a teenager and her girlfriend were both shot in the head on a grassy hillside in South Texas, killing one of them and leaving the other with serious injuries, authorities have arrested a man in the attack. Sign up for breaking news alerts from NBC News. Portland police have not provided details about how Strickland was linked to the case. Photo: Portland Police Department, Laura Strickland, 23, was arrested June 20, 2014, in Helotes. He called 911 on Saturday at about 1:30 a.m., but he did not reveal much, cops said, according to KIII-TV. [11] The charge was dismissed. Roel Garza did not have a history of violence before the murder-suicide, cops said. Teen lesbian couple found shot in Texas park, A Visual History of the Gay-Rights Movement, 13-Year-Old Girl Finds Porn On New Cell Phone, These Are North Koreas 28 State-Approved Hairstyles, Mountain Dews Dub the Dew Online Poll Goes Horribly Wrong. A Nov. 13 motion fromSan Patricio County prosecutors argue even if the hair came from the other man, "it does not exonerate" Strickland. WebPortland police solved a 40-year-old murder case by matching DNA found at the crime scene with data in a public genealogy site. A resident of a nearby home said that she heard two loud bangs the night of the events, but discounted the sounds as firecrackers. Attorneys for convicted killer David Strickland are asking for a hearing along with records they hope will prove someone else was to blame for the 2012 double shooting in a Portland park. The crime went unsolved for about two years before police shifted their focus to Stickland in 2014 after learning about a letter addressed to Chapa's father written from the perspective of a hitman. Photo: Portland Police Department. "GLAAD: Supporters rally and call for #justice4krisandmollie", "Texas Lesbian Couple: Survivor Remembers Night of Shooting", "Two Years Later, Arrests Have Finally Been Made in the Corpus Christi Shooting of A Teenage Lesbian Couple", "Same-Sex Teen Couple Shot: Texas Rangers investigating shooting of Mollie Olgin and Mary Chapa", "Brother of lesbian teen shot in head: She's 'fighting', "Verdict reached 4 years after deadly attack on TX lesbian teen couple", "Same-Sex Teen Couple Shooting: New sketch of suspect released in Texas attack", "Couple who found victims at Portland park testify", "Arrest Affidavit Details Link Between David Strickland, Portland Shootings", "accused-killer-in-portland-shooting-falsely-confessed-expert-says", "jury-watches-video-of-shooting-survivors-photo-lineup", "Court document: David Strickland denied appeal in killing of Mollie Olgin in 2012", "Shooting survivor Kristene Chapa files $500 million lawsuit", "Texas attack survivor's multimillion-dollar lawsuit against David Strickland gets pre-trial hearing", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Murder_of_Mollie_Olgin&oldid=1133689494, Violence against LGBT people in the United States, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 15 January 2023, at 01:52. The following morning, a couple discovered the bodies of the two women in knee-high grass near a scenic lookout in the park, police said. Plz, help.. I cant find her. On Jan. 31, police announced that Jerry Walter McFadden of Texas had killed Anna Marie Hlavka in Portland on Jan. 24, 1979. "(Strickland) cannot take the gun, computer or ID evidence away. While David Strickland was eventually convicted of the murder, evidence at the crime scene initially implicated Dylan Spellman. "There are still a lot of things that that we cannot release but we're confident that we do have our person.". Almost exactly two years earlier, on June 22, 2012, Mollie Olgin, 19, and her girlfriend, Mary Kristene Chapa, who was then 18, were found in a birdwatching area at Violet Andrews Park in Portland near Corpus Christi. Daly Mellinger holds Norma Jean, a Boston Chihuaha, as she watches the vigil with Jennifer Cota at Cal Anderson Park on Friday, June 29, 2012. A memorial is seen at the corner of Market and Castro Streets during a vigil for Mollie Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa (pictured). The 2019 Portland crime rate fell by 29% compared to 2018. Julie Pousson (left) cries during a candle light vigil held for Mollie Judith Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa Friday June 29, 2012 at Woodlawn Lake. Two young women believed to be in a romantic relationship were apparently shot by a mysterious assailant in Portland, Texas Friday night. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Marshals Service Lone Star Fugitive Task Force for help in finding and apprehending the couple. David M. Strickland, 27, and his wife, Laura K. Strickland, 23, were arrested June 20 at their home in Helotes in the San Antonio area. Elizabeth Valadez of Corpus Christi, Texas, writes a message on one of the posts Friday, June 29, 2012 as other friends and supporters write messages on a large sheet behind her during a vigil for teens Mollie Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa at Violet Andrews Park in Portland, Texas. Ashlee Burns covers trending and breaking news in South Texas. Its apparent in the investigation that once the suspect Mr. Garza made the call to the police department, he committed suicide in the bedroom where the wife and child had already been killed, Cory said. Due to the attacks brutal nature, it received heavy media coverage and resulted in public outrage. The motion also states the evidence presented at trial is "insufficient to sustain Strickland's conviction. facing charges of capital murder, aggravated assault with a weapon and aggravated sexual assault in the June 23, 2012, attack, who tried to claw her way out of the thorny brush. [9], Layton Police investigating the burglary had discovered evidence in Strickland's car including two guns, ammunition, a suppressor, gloves and a backpack containing condoms, flex handcuffs, bolt cutters, a knife and other items. Officers described finding a tragic, horrifying murder scene at the home in northeast Portland. The investigators worked the case, eventually arresting the culprit, David Strickland. Members and supporters of the gay community held a vigil on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 in San Francisco, Calif., at the corner of Castro and Market Streets for Mollie Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa, two lesbian teens who were shot on Friday near Corpus Christi, Texas. A native of Des Moines, Iowa, she holds a Master?s degree in journalism from Northwestern University and a Master?s in sociology from Michigan State University. Man and wife jailed in 2-year-old attack on female couple near Corpus Christi, Portland police still seek leads in teen couple shooting. People run under a giant rainbow flag after a vigil for Mollie Judith Olgin, 19, and Mary Kristene Chapa, 18, at Cal Anderson Park on Friday, June 29, 2012. Rachel Timson and Sarah Dime embrace during a vigil. Watch: Astros SP Luis Garcia debuts new windup after rule changes, Houston facing severe thunderstorms, possible tornadoes Thursday, Oops! A friend said Chapa remembers the night of the shooting. Members and supporters of the gay community held a vigil on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 in San Francisco, Calif., at the corner of Castro and Market Streets for Mollie Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa, two lesbian teens who were shot on Friday near Corpus Christi, Texas. The investigators worked the case, eventually arresting the culprit, David Strickland. IE 11 is not supported. In August 1986, he was sentenced to life imprisonment for the escape. In the last 5 years Portland has seen increasing violent crime and decreasing property crime. Olgin died from her wounds, but Chapa is currently recovering in a local hospital. DNA evidence was collected from the bodies at this time. A man murdered his wife and young son, made a cryptic 911 call and died by suicide, according to police in Portland, Texas. He contacted family members Friday evening, said Cory, who did not elaborate much. He is charged with capital murder, aggravated sexual assault and aggravated assault. Crimes scene investigators take evidence back to their vans Saturday, June 23, 2012 at Violet Andrews Park in Portland, Texas. Court document: David Strickland denied appeal in killing of Mollie Olgin in 2012, Defense: New DNA results exonerate man convicted in 2012 double shooting in Portland, 'Truth About Murder with Sunny Hostin' episode about 2012 Portland attack of teens to air, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. December 17, 2021 In June 2012, a young teenage couple was found shot in a park in Portland, Texas. The letter also included a picture of the accused man along with the words, I was told to deliver this or die. Then, he took it back. McFadden raped and strangled Harrison and dumped her body in a park about 25 miles (40km) from Lake Hawkins. Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News, David Strickland, 27, was arrested June 20, 2014, in Helotes. San Patricio County prosecutors argued that even if the hair came from another man, it would not exonerate Strickland. William Davis, who worked at Christus Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler, Texas, was convicted of capital murder on Oct. 19. [16], In 2017, Kristene Chapa filed a lawsuit against David Strickland, his father Larry Joe Strickland, and Taft Pharmacy, the family business, seeking $500 million in damages. Roel Garza, 52, allegedly shot and killed wife Jennifer Phillips, 36, and their son Eli Garza, 5. Dateline originally aired an episode on the case in 2017 after a San Patricio County Judge found David Strickland, a Portland, Texas, man, guilty of capital murder. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. PORTLAND, Texas Portland police confirm a double-homicide suicide took place early Saturday morning. (PHOTOS: Teens in America: Class Pictures). Strickland was sentenced to life in prison without parole, but the new Dateline episode suggests new DNA evidence could prove someone else was to blame. I have panic attacks," Chapa said. The Caller-Times is withholding the man's name as it's unclear if he's been arrested and charged with a crime. Vigils were held across the county by the LGBT community, and some suspected the case could be a hate crime. In the last 5 years Portland has seen increasing violent crime and decreasing property crime. "All my supporters; they've been there. U.S. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. [6], In 2018, advances in testing technology allowed for DNA identification of a hair found on Chapa's body. His sentence will automatically be appealed. Strickland told investigators that Olgin and Chapa were rude to his wife, who was a server at Chili's, and he followed them back to the park where he shot them, but prosecutors believed Olgin and Chapa did not visit Chili's the night of the shooting. Photos of Mary Kristene Chapa (left) and her girlfriend Mollie Judith Olgin that were given to people attending a candle light vigil for the girls Friday June 29, 2012 at Woodlawn Lake. In June 2012, a young teenage couple was found shot in a park in Portland, Texas. David Malcolm Strickland, 27, was arrested Friday by U.S. Olgin died and Chapa continues to recover after the two were shot June 23 at the park. Thats always something that were looking for, but as of this point, we have not been able to establish that that had anything to do with the attack, Wright said. WebCrime rate in Portland, TX The 2019 crime rate in Portland, TX is 110 (City-Data.com crime index), which is 2.4 times lower than the U.S. average. This is a carousel. A friend said Chapa remembers the night of the shooting. A poster depicting Kristene Chapa and her girlfriend Mollie Judith Olgin, at the Chapa residence on June 11, 2013 in Corpus Christi, TX. People write messages of support on a banner during a vigil for Mollie Judith Olgin, 19, and Mary Kristene Chapa, 18, at Cal Anderson Park on Friday, June 29, 2012. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. Olgin, 19, and her girlfriend Chapa, 18, were found shot in the head Saturday in a Portland, Tx park. The city carved $16 million, or 7%, out of its police budget last year. Two young women believed to be in a romantic relationship were apparently shot by a mysterious assailant in Portland, Texas Friday night. About 50 people attended a candle light vigil held for Mollie Judith Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa Friday June 29, 2012 at Woodlawn Lake. Corpus Christi police concluded that the robbery was targeted. "We are confident that we have the person responsible for this horrific crime in custody. David Malcolm Strickland, 27, is facing charges of capital murder, aggravated assault with a weapon and aggravated sexual assault in the June 23, 2012, attack. In September 2016, he was sentenced to life in prison without parole. We've been working very hard to make sure we get him as soon as possible. More: David Strickland's attorney: Impending DNA testing will clear him of Portland Park murder, Sign up to have news emailed to you daily, David Strickland's attorney: Impending DNA testing will clear him of Portland Park murder, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. One girl is dead and another in serious condition after a mysterious shooting in a normally peaceful town. The case garnered national attention and sparked outrage amongst the public, as homophobia initially was suspected to be a motivating factor in the crime. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Spellman had been staying with his father's best friend just down the street from the scene of the crime. On Jan. 31, police announced that Jerry Walter McFadden of Texas had killed Anna Marie Hlavka in Portland on Jan. 24, 1979. David remains incarcerated at the William G. McConnell Unit in Beeville, Texas. "Once we have a warrant, we start doing everything on our end to find the person as quickly as possible," Bozeman said. David Malcolm Strickland, 27, was arrested Friday by U.S. The biological evidence then became a point of contention, seemingly highlighting his potential involvement in the crime. The following morning, a couple discovered the bodies of the two women in knee-high grass near a scenic lookout in the park, police said. Additionally, a firearms expert at the Texas Department of Public Safety testified that the bullet casing at the scene likely matched Strickland's handgun. He is now appealing the conviction based on new DNA evidence that his attorneys claim prove he was wrongly convicted. [18]. During her recovery, Chapa worked with police to help identify her shooter. Olgin, 19, died at the scene. Olgin's girlfriend, Kristene Chapa, then 18, survived. U.S. PORTLAND, Texas Portland police confirm a double-homicide suicide took place early Saturday morning. He is charged with capital murder, aggravated sexual assault and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in the 2012 attack on Mollie Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa. Police say Garza did not have any prior history of violence. Kristene Chapa, left, accompanied by her mother Grace Chapa, opened up about a 2012 attack in Texas that killed her girlfriend on "The View," Oct. 29, 2019. Carol Christian reports on breaking news for chron.com. Ive been trying to think of anybody I know that would try and hurt them for any reason, Garrett said, and not one person comes to mind.. PORTLAND, Texas A husband, wife and their five-year-old son are dead after a murder suicide in the City of Portland, according to police. Or to keep it anonymous, click here. Olgin died from her wounds, but Chapa is currently recovering in a local hospital. Strickland had also inserted himself in the original investigation, talking to investigators and being seen at the crime scene just days after the shooting. Portland police say they don't know the motive for the shooting Friday night, June 22, 2012, that killed 19-year-old Mollie Olgin and wounded 18-year-old Mary Kristene Chapa in Violet Andrews Park. However, the authorities learned that he used to be friends with David before things fell apart. They followed my story since day one and I want to thank everybody for that.". He called 911 on Saturday at about 1:30 a.m., but he did not reveal much, cops said, according to KIII-TV. David and Laura owned a car that matched the description. The 2019 Portland crime rate fell by 29% compared to 2018. Strickland told investigators he composed the letter two weeks before his arrest and printed it out at a public library computer. More:Could David Strickland be exonerated in 2012 Portland double shooting? But she said that it wasn't just her physical state that needed time to recover. He called 911 on Saturday at about 1:30 a.m., but he did not reveal much, cops said, according to KIII-TV. After an investigation, police confirmed that Garza shot his child and wife, and then took his own life shortly after hanging up with Portland PD. Angela Weddle carries a sign during the Pride Bigger Than Texas Parade held Saturday June 30, 2012. Chapa spoke on Tuesday to "The View's" co-hosts including Sunny Hostin, host of the show "Truth About Murder," who revisits the investigation with Chapa about the attack, her miraculous recovery and testifying during Strickland's trial. Jason Haas and Veronika Fimbres embrace during a vigil. The biological evidence then became a point of contention, seemingly highlighting his potential involvement in the crime. Roel Garza, 52, allegedly shot and killed wife Jennifer Phillips, 36, and their son Eli Garza, 5. Emailus. His wife is charged with tampering with evidence. The Portland Police Department released this sketch July 4, 2012, in the attack on Mollie Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa. Portland, Oregons, homicide rate soared a staggering 1,900% in 2021, with 20 killings, compared with one during the first three months of 2020. Mollie Judith Olgin, a 19 year old student at Texas A&M, was declared dead; Mary Christine Chapa, 18, was taken to a nearby hospital where she is said to be in serious but stable condition. Members and supporters of the gay community held a vigil on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 in San Francisco, Calif., at the corner of Castro and Market Streets for Mollie Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa, two lesbian teens who were shot on Friday near Corpus Christi, Texas. "He couldn't even look at me, which was disappointing, because I wanted him to see what he had done.". Chapa, now 27, survived. When a dispatcher asked 'what's going on there? U.S. Gerald "Jerry" Walter McFadden (March 21, 1948 October 14, 1999), known as The Animal, was an American serial killer and sex offender who was executed in 1999.[6]. There is still a lot to do in order to prepare the case for prosectuion". Committed the July 24, 1979, murder of Anna Marie Hlavka in. I want to have my independence back.". However, at that point, the authorities had another suspect, Dylan Spellman, who was linked to the crime scene through DNA evidence. [8] The letter accused a Layton, Utah, man of the murder of Olgin; police found that the man had an alibi. "It's difficult for the citizens of this community, it's difficult on the officers of this department, It's difficult with everybody that was involved at the scene," said Portland PD Cheif Mark Cory. Garza shot both Phillips and Eli twice, Cory said. [3], Other evidence included in the arrest warrant included the fact that a gun in Strickland's possession was matched to bullet casings at the crime scene. The incident was premeditated. Previously, DNA found on a cigarette butt and energy drink can at the scene both matched to Spellman. Mary Kristene Chapa, 18, and her girlfriend, Mollie Olgin, 19, were shot in the head at Violet Andrews Park in Portland, Texas on June 22. Chief Wright said that although the events did seem more like measured attacks than a random action, they were not currently investigating the murder as a hate crime. He then sexually assaulted and shot them. Authorities said last year they didnt believe the attack was a hate crime, but they hadnt established a motive. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. [emailprotected]. "My body will never be 100% again. Portland Police Chief Randy Wright confirmed the identities of the two girls to local NBC affiliates and to MSNBC. Dateline originally aired an episode on the case in 2017 after a San Patricio County Judge found David Strickland, a Portland, Texas, man, guilty of capital murder. Orr and prosecutors with the San Patricio County District Attorney's officecould not immediately be reached for comment. [9] A draft of the letter to the Chapa family was found on Strickland's computer. 1 most stressful city for workers in U.S. Turner: State takeover of Houston ISD could happen as soon as next week, Houston rap royalty Bun B on returning to Rodeo for another Takeover, 'Call me a Nazi': Former Houston-area pastor calls for state book ban, Kevin Porter Jr. return can't end Rockets' growing losing streak, W&P Porter bowl review: A container that makes office lunch easy, A new musical spotlights a Texas bank-robbing legend. A friend said Chapa remembers the night of the shooting. Olgin was pronounced dead at the scene,[3] whilst Chapa was taken to hospital in critical condition. Marshals, Texas Rangers and the police officers from Portland, where the attack occurred, detained Strickland and his wife, Laura Kimberly, 23. Jess and Jules Diliberto embrace during a vigil. There were some measures taken by the suspect Mr. Garza earlier in the evening in preparatory of this double homicide, Cory told reporters, according to KRIS-TV. William Davis, who worked at Christus Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler, Texas, was convicted of capital murder on Oct. 19. We need time to let it sink and just process the news we've waited on for 2 years. "There were some measures taken by the suspect Mr. Garza earlier in the evening in preparatory of this double homicide," said Cheif Cory. The front door was open, according to the official version of events in the KIII report. Mary Kristene Chapa, 18, and her girlfriend, Mollie Olgin, 19, were shot in the head at Violet Andrews Park in Portland, Texas on June 22. He was released on parole in July 1985. (AP Photo/Corpus Christi Caller-Times, Michael Zamora), A crime scene investigator takes pictures of an evidence marker near some playground equipment Saturday, June 23, 2012 at Violet Andrews Park in Portland, Texas. This page was last edited on 22 February 2023, at 16:43. The teenagers were shot execution-style and left for dead in a park in Portland, Texas. Police Chief Randy Wright says there's no evidence that the attack was motivated by their relationship. He is facing charges of capital murder, aggravated assault with a weapon and aggravated sexual assault in the June 23, 2012, attack on Mollie Olgin, 19, who died in the shooting in Portland on the Corpus Christi Bay. The 2019 Portland crime rate fell by 29% compared to 2018. While Mollie Olgin died, her girlfriend, Mary Kristene Chapa, miraculously survived. He was also seen talking to people at the crime scene, telling them that his partner, Laura, knew one of the victims. Police have not identified any suspects or announced any arrests. On July 9, 1986, he overcame Kenneth Mayfield, a jailer, and escaped from the prison in Upshur County with Rosalie Williams, another guard, as a hostage. Marshal Christopher Bozeman, a spokesman for the Marshals Service in San Antonio, said it took the team a little over two hours to find the Stricklands in an apartment in the 12000 block of Bandera Road in Helotes, about 25 miles northwest of San Antonio. See our subscription options and special offers at Caller.com/subscribe, After two hours of being interviewed by Portland police and Texas Rangers. [12][14][15], Attorneys for Strickland filed a motion for his conviction to be overturned based on the newfound DNA evidence, which District Attorney Sam Smith dismissed on an updated episode of Dateline. Carol got started in journalism while teaching English in Poland during martial law. About 100 people came out for the vigil to remember Olgin, who died June 23 at the park, and show their support for Chapa, who is in the hospital in stable condition. So, lets find out what happened to David then, shall we? Three days later, the bodies of Boone and Turner were discovered, with gunshot wounds being the cause of death. Gay rights groups have called for a thorough police investigation into the fatal shooting of a teenage woman and wounding of her girlfriend in the park. 0:59 David Strickland was not the person who killed a 19-year-old in a Portland park, and new DNA evidence proves it, attorneys for Strickland say. Chapa, now 20, had gone with Olgin that Friday night to Violet Andrews Park in Portland outside Corpus Christi to see where her girlfriend had been baptized. WebAMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) - Police say a Texas mother has been charged with murder in the death of her 2-month-old baby, KFDA reports. A search of his belongings also revealed a letter similar to the one received by the Chapa family. "Not only was his DNA found on objects left at the crime scene, but a lab report now undeniably shows that the hair pulled from Kristine Chapas body is in fact (the man's) hair," the November motion states. PORTLAND, Texas A husband, wife and their five-year-old son are dead after a murder suicide in the City of Portland, according to police. Here's the latest. The prosecution did not seek the death penalty and Strickland was sentenced to life imprisonment. Eyewitnesses also placed Spellman at Violet Andrews Park both before and after the crime. This evidence included .45-caliber firearms, handcuffs, ammunition, a lock pick kit, bolt cutters, and other suspicious items. Sentenced to 15 years in prison in 1973 for two counts of rape. They remained Tuesday in the San Patricio County Jail on no bond. In the beginning, the authorities used Kristenes help to create a composite sketch of the attacker. Shell casings collected from the crime scene then matched one of Davids firearms. Report: Houston is the No. PORTLAND, Texas A husband, wife and their five-year-old son are dead after a murder suicide in the City of Portland, according to police. Police were led to David Strickland in 2014 after Chapa's father received an anonymous letter containing information about the crime not released to the public. The following morning, a couple discovered the bodies of the two women in knee-high grass near a scenic lookout in the park, police said. Messages left by NBC News seeking comment from Chapa and her family werent immediately returned. WebAMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) - Police say a Texas mother has been charged with murder in the death of her 2-month-old baby, KFDA reports. Marshals and Texas Rangers in the San Antonio suburb of Helotes, local media reported. In a Nov. 30 motion that was previously sealed, Strickland's attorney Cynthia Orr argues a different man whose DNA was found at thescene and on the surviving victimis actually responsible for the crime. [15] The appeal was denied in January 2020. Chapa was 18 years old in June 2012 when she and her girlfriend Mollie Olgin were shot in the head execution-style at Violet Andrews Park in Portland, Texas. A few days after the attack, a man named David Strickland went to the police to provide information regarding something he saw on the night of the shootings. Antonio Express-News, David Strickland, 27, was arrested Friday by U.S he was sentenced to life.! Media coverage and resulted in public outrage received by the Chapa family was shot. And Laura owned a car that matched the description Harrison and dumped her body a. Marie Hlavka in Portland, Texas solved a 40-year-old murder case by matching DNA found on a butt. Hair came from another man, it would not exonerate Strickland to local NBC affiliates and to.! Garza shot both Phillips and Eli twice, Cory said to thank everybody for that. `` since one... Help to create a composite sketch of the murder, evidence at the of... 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