One Of 3 Missing Women Located Detectives Say Trio May Have Information About Murders

Tue., Nov. 18, 1997

By Robin Rivers robinr@spokesman.com

Authorities have located one of three Spokane women they have been searching for in connection with a series of murders.

Lonna Marie Hughes, 26, was found alive in Spokane Saturday night and was asked by Spokane County sheriff’s detectives for any information she may have about the recent murder of Darla Sue Scott.

Two other women, Shawn L. Johnson, 36, formerly of Deer Park, and Laurie Ann Wason, 31, formerly of 1613 E. Gordon, still are missing.

Johnson’s mother, Margaret Dettman, pleaded Monday for her daughter to call home.

Police and sheriff’s detectives asked the community Friday for help in finding the women, saying they may have information that could aid an investigation into the recent murders of several prostitutes.

Four women working as prostitutes have been killed in the last three months. Detectives also are reviewing five other killings since 1990.

Scott was the most recent victim. Her partially decomposed body was found in a shallow grave near Hangman Valley Golf Course on Nov. 5. Autopsy results showed she had been shot in the head.

Anyone with information about the two other missing women should call Crime Check at 456-2233.

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