Grim Reminder Don’T Forget A Serial Killer’S Loose, Say Victims’ Families And Law Enforcement

Thu., June 4, 1998

By Robin Rivers robinr@spokesman.com

A serial killer is still on the streets.

Law enforcement officers and family members of six slain Spokane women gathered near Hangman Valley Golf Course on Wednesday to remind residents that the terror is not over.

“We need to keep this in the front of our minds,” said Daneka Keith of the victim/witness unit at the Spokane County prosecutor’s office. “This person is still out there.”

It has been two months since the body of the most recent victim, Linda Marie Maybin, was found near 14th and Carnahan on the South Hill.

But Spokane County Sheriff John Goldman said residents must stay vigilant about giving investigators tips and information that might solve the murders.

“None of them are forgotten,” Goldman said. “Not by the men and women in law enforcement and not by the community.”

Investigators did not release any new information.

The killings are part of a joint city/county task force investigating the unsolved murders of 20 Spokane area women since 1984.

Family members of some of those women stood Wednesday between Hangman Valley Road and Hangman Creek Road where the body of Darla Sue Scott was found last fall. She would become the first of the victims found. Goldman asked the crowd to imagine Scott’s terror in the moments before she died.

“It affects our entire community,” he said. “We need community support. We will bring the person responsible for these crimes to justice.”

About 20 family members came forward to honor the women with photos and gentle words. They gathered together, in support, passing out tissues and holding each other.

Margaret Dettman made her first public comments since her daughter, Shawn Johnson, was killed last fall.

“You have all been in my prayers,” Dettman said, turning to the other families. “It hurts. But we’ll get there.”

Shawn McClenahan’s sister, Kathy Lloyd, pleaded for tips from area residents. McClenahan’s body was discovered in December near 14th and Carnahan. Her birthday would have been Saturday.

“This pain is such a horrendous pain,” Lloyd said. “I know that someone out there knows something.

Tips or information about Spokane’s serial killings may be sent to the Homicide Task Force, P.O. Box 3111, Spokane, WA 99220. Residents who prefer to phone in a tip can call 1-888-211-4980 or Crime Check at 456-2233.

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