Seven years after her girlfriend was killed and she was seriously injured in a brutal attack, Kristene Chapa spoke openly to "The View" about testifying against her attacker. His wife is charged with tampering with evidence. Since joining the Houston Chronicle staff in 1998, she has covered various beats, including criminal courts and transportation. Carol Christian reports on breaking news for chron.com. Strickland had also inserted himself in the original investigation, talking to investigators and being seen at the crime scene just days after the shooting. However, the authorities learned that he used to be friends with David before things fell apart. 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. Roel Garza, 52, allegedly shot and killed wife Jennifer Phillips, 36, and their son Eli Garza, 5. This is still an active investigation. 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. 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. 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. 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. [8] The letter accused a Layton, Utah, man of the murder of Olgin; police found that the man had an alibi. "There were some measures taken by the suspect Mr. Garza earlier in the evening in preparatory of this double homicide," said Cheif Cory. Olgin had already died of a gunshot wound to the head, and Chapa was in grave condition but survived to tell about the ordeal. The chief described the mother as struck multiple times in the head., We had four officers on scene, and it was rough on them, Cory said. Two years after a brutal attack on a female couple near Corpus Christi made national headlines, a break in the case has resulted in two arrests. In August 1986, he was sentenced to life imprisonment for the escape. 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 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. A man murdered his wife and young son, made a cryptic 911 call and died by suicide, according to police in Portland, Texas. While Mollie Olgin died, her girlfriend, Mary Kristene Chapa, miraculously survived. On Jan. 31, police announced that Jerry Walter McFadden of Texas had killed Anna Marie Hlavka in Portland on Jan. 24, 1979. In the last 5 years Portland has seen increasing violent crime and decreasing property crime. San Patricio County prosecutors argued that even if the hair came from another man, it would not exonerate Strickland. [10], David Strickland and his wife Laura Strickland were arrested on June 20, 2014 and held at San Patricio County jail. He was released on parole in July 1985. Though he was suspected by police for two years, hewas never charged in the case. 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. Police say Garza did not have any prior history of violence. Carol got started in journalism while teaching English in Poland during martial law. 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. 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. 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. Chapa was also sexually assaulted. A Nov. 13 motion fromSan Patricio County prosecutors argue even if the hair came from the other man, "it does not exonerate" Strickland. McFadden was executed in Texas in October 1999 for the murders of three other women. Although a bullet casing was found on the scene, no weapon has been discovered and there are currently no suspects in the shooting. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. McFadden was executed in Texas in October 1999 for the murders of three other women. The biological evidence then became a point of contention, seemingly highlighting his potential involvement in the crime. A resident of a nearby home said that she heard two loud bangs the night of the events, but discounted the sounds as firecrackers. 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. WebPortland police solved a 40-year-old murder case by matching DNA found at the crime scene with data in a public genealogy site. The Caller-Times is withholding the man's name as it's unclear if he's been arrested and charged with a crime. A crime scene investigator photographs evidence at the end of a sidewalk, June 23, 2012 at Violet Andrews Park in Portland, Texas, where Mollie Olgin, 19, and Mary Kristene Chapa, 18, were killed. 47 Two years after a brutal attack on a female couple near Corpus Christi made national headlines, a break in the case has resulted in two arrests. McFadden raped and strangled Harrison and dumped her body in a park about 25 miles (40km) from Lake Hawkins. Chapa had to relearn how to walk, talk and even smile again after the attack, she said, noting that she's now "doing well" overall. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. 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. 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. In June 2012, a young teenage couple was found shot in a park in Portland, Texas. Chapa was also sexually assaulted. David Malcolm Strickland, 27, was arrested Friday by U.S. Additionally, a firearms expert at the Texas Department of Public Safety testified that the bullet casing at the scene likely matched Strickland's handgun. The women had been sexually assaulted and shot in the head around midnight the previous evening. When a dispatcher asked 'what's going on there? While Mollie Olgin died, her girlfriend, Mary Kristene Chapa, miraculously survived. DNA evidence was collected from the bodies at this time. The Layton man was tracked down, but he had a solid alibi for the night of the murder. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. ', Garza replied 'just come now'. Shell casings collected from the crime scene then matched one of Davids firearms. Olgin, 19, died at the scene. Strickland was sentenced to life in prison without parole in September 2016. All rights reserved. "All my supporters; they've been there. Emailus. He called 911 on Saturday at about 1:30 a.m., but he did not reveal much, cops said, according to KIII-TV. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. Courtesy of Bexar County Sheriff's Office. 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. Two young women believed to be in a romantic relationship were apparentlyshot by a mysterious assailantin Portland, Texas Friday night. The Portland, Texas couple was found shot in the head on Saturday, June 23. [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. On Jan. 31, police announced that Jerry Walter McFadden of Texas had killed Anna Marie Hlavka in Portland on Jan. 24, 1979. 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]. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. David Malcolm Strickland, 27, was arrested Friday by U.S. Authorities said last year they didnt believe the attack was a hate crime, but they hadnt established a motive. She was found the next day. 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. The document also requestedthe results of DNA testing conducted ona pubic hair that was found onChapa's body. Strickland's appealis still making it's way through the legal system. WebAMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) - Police say a Texas mother has been charged with murder in the death of her 2-month-old baby, KFDA reports. 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. David Malcolm Strickland, 27, was arrested Friday by U.S. 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 letter included details that hadn't been released to the media. The biological evidence then became a point of contention, seemingly highlighting his potential involvement in the crime. Rachel Timson and Sarah Dime embrace during a vigil. Spellman had been staying with his father's best friend just down the street from the scene of the crime. The Portland, Texas couple was found shot in the head on Saturday, June 23. Authorities didn't investigate the fatal attack as a hate crime even though the incident happened during Pride weekend. See our subscription options and special offers at Caller.com/subscribe, After two hours of being interviewed by Portland police and Texas Rangers. On May 4, 1986, McFadden kidnapped 20-year-old Gena Turner, 19-year-old Bryan Boone, and 18-year-old Suzanne Harrison as they took a trip to Lake Hawkins north of Tyler, Texas. In September 2016, he was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Arrested in May 1986 for the rape and murder of 18-year-old high school cheerleader Suzanne Harrison and the murder of 20-year-old Gena Turner and 19-year old Bryan Boone who were shot. 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DNA testing was previously pending ona pubichair found on Chapa. But she said that it wasn't just her physical state that needed time to recover. Here's the latest. 47 Two years after a brutal attack on a female couple near Corpus Christi made national headlines, a break in the case has resulted in two arrests. The teenagers were shot execution-style and left for dead in a park in Portland, Texas. Jason Haas and Veronika Fimbres embrace during a vigil. 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. Mollie Judith Olgin, 19, and her girlfriend Mary Kristene Chapa, 18, were found shot in the head last Saturday in a Portland, Tx park. [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. PHOTOS: A Visual History of the Gay-Rights Movement. About 50 people attended the event. Chapa is currently taking college courses while writing a book about her experience. The letter also included a picture of the accused man along with the words, I was told to deliver this or die. Olgin, 19, and her girlfriend Chapa, 18, were found shot in the head Saturday in a Portland, Tx park. A friend said Chapa remembers the night of the shooting. WebPortland police solved a 40-year-old murder case by matching DNA found at the crime scene with data in a public genealogy site. Photo: Portland Police Department, Laura Strickland, 23, was arrested June 20, 2014, in Helotes. Portland police say they don't know the motive for the shooting Friday night that killed 19-year-old Mollie Olgin and wounded 18-year-old Mary Kristene Chapa in Violet Andrews Park. More:Could David Strickland be exonerated in 2012 Portland double shooting? However, at that point, the authorities had another suspect, Dylan Spellman, who was linked to the crime scene through DNA evidence. Two young women believed to be in a romantic relationship were apparently shot by a mysterious assailant in Portland, Texas Friday night. 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. 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. 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. [6], In 2018, advances in testing technology allowed for DNA identification of a hair found on Chapa's body. David Strickland was charged with capital murder, aggravated sexual assault and aggravated assault. 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. KRIS 6 News obtained the almost 20 second audio clip of the police call to Portland PD, but some of it was inaudible. We have a lot of evidence to still continue to process, he said. [11] The charge was dismissed. Neighbors described Jennifer Phillips as, in the words of KRIS-TV, the heart of the community, and Eli as a playful soul., [Screengrab of memorial for Jennifer Phillips and Eli Garza at their home via KIII], Have a tip we should know? 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.. Vigils were held across the county by the LGBT community, and some suspected the case could be a hate crime. Angela Weddle carries a sign during the Pride Bigger Than Texas Parade held Saturday June 30, 2012. His attorney, Cynthia Orr, told the Caller-Times that the type of DNA testing technology that would be conducted on a piece of pubic hair found on Chapa was not available during the time of Strickland's trial. Kristene Chapa's girlfriend died from the 2012 attack. About 50 people attended a candle light vigil held for Mollie Judith Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa Friday June 29, 2012 at Woodlawn Lake. [3], Police used GPS to discover that David Strickland's cell phone had been near the Chapa home when the letter had been hand-delivered. Police Chief Randy Wright says there's no evidence that the attack was motivated by their relationship. Jess and Jules Diliberto embrace during a vigil. He was arrested on 6 May, after a police report from a couple he had attacked by the lake on the day of the murder. Portland police released two composite sketches of the male shooter, based upon information from Chapa as she recuperated. 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. Olgin, 19, and Chapa, 18, were found shot in the head Saturday in a Portland, Tx park. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. 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