Today, Kathy would have been sixty-six years old if it wasn’t for someone murdering her in 1971 when she was thirteen.
I believe there are those still holding back information in her case, possibly classmates from St. Mary’s or high school students from Franklin High.
My family still lives with the pain of an unsolved murder, questions never answered, and the sadness of never knowing her beyond thirteen years of age.
Happy Sixty-sixth heavenly birthday, Kathy. I miss and love you until we meet again; kisses and hugs.
Fifty-two years of not having answers in the unsolved murder of my sister, Kathy, is a long time. Just the other day, I read that a 44-year-old case was solved. I thought if a 44-year-old case can be solved then why not a 52-year-old case?
Even though the prime suspect has passed away, under the right circumstances, her case could be closed.
My family still grieves and misses her. We wait, we hope, we pray, that one day it will be Kathy’s turn, and she too will have justice.
November 21st haunts me every year. For numerous reasons, it is incredibly daunting in 2022. For one, Kathy’s case continues to be unsolved. Fifty-one years is a long time to wait for answers.
I still remember how cold it was the night she went missing. I wondered if she dressed warm enough to sustain the freezing temperatures. When they found her body naked and only in knee-high socks pulled down to her ankles, I couldn’t help but think the person that hurt her was a monster.
Most likely, Kathy was dead when he left her body on the ground that November night. But after beating, raping, strangling, and removing her clothes, he ran over her with his vehicle to ensure he left her lifeless.
Some keep their secrets about Kathy’s murder, thinking it won’t change anything. I’m telling you, it will make a difference to my family if you come forward. A dear friend of mine, JoAnne, continually prays for the day; when someone says, “Case closed, Justice served.” That is my prayer too.
Another reason this year is challenging is that my 45-year-old son-in-law, Josh, was diagnosed with a glioblastoma in April-an inoperable terminal brain tumor. Our world is spinning, and we are trying to slow it down. My beautiful daughter, Missy, and their three sons, Wyatt, Logan, and Tucker, face unbelief and pain while they navigate this path. It breaks my heart.
After Josh’s diagnosis, he began radiation and chemotherapy. The treatment killed so many cancer cells the tumor started to bleed, causing a hemorrhagic stroke. We watched as the helicopter airlifted him to The James in Columbus, Ohio. The news from the doctor is, “His chance of survival is slim.” Josh fooled them all and us; he is still fighting for more time with all that love him.
Josh reminds us that “God is good” through it all. I try to remember that when it seems too much to bear. The memories from my haunting past, the battles of today, I say the words that Josh believes, no matter what happens, “God is good,” all the time.
I love and miss you, Kathy. I love you, Josh, and thank you for loving me.
We will never forget your birthday, Kathy, even if you’re not here. It is challenging to envision you as a sixty-four yeard old. How does so much time go by, yet it stands still at times. The day I heard about your murder was the worse day I’ve ever experienced.
Your murder continues to go unsolved, and your family continues to hope that one day we will hear the words, “case closed.” I know some individuals have information that could make it happen. Please come forward; you have nothing to fear since the prime suspect has passed away.
You were a bright star that was not allowed to shine. I believe what you could have contributed to this world would have been amazing!
Happy birthday, Sweet One. Kathy, your family loves you and will never forget you as long as we are alive.
Justice ~ Unsolved Murders 