It’s been 18 years since five women were shot and killed execution-style at a suburban Lane Bryant store, and detectives are still trying to crack the case.
The women’s hands were tied behind their backs before they were shot, and a sixth victim survived the heinous attack that unfolded on Feb. 2, 2008 at a Tinley Park store inside the Brookside Marketplace shopping mall.
Police described the attack as an armed robbery that ended in horrific violence, with the store manager calling 911 while the attack was underway. The suspect’s voice was heard on the recording of the 911 call, but that suspect has never been identified.
Rhoda McFarland, the 42-year-old store manager, was one of the five women killed, along with 34-year-old Jennifer Bishop, 37-year-old Connie Woolfolk, 22-year-old Sara Szafranksi and 33-year-old Carrie Chiuso.
On the anniversary of the shooting, police have vowed that they will continue working until the crime is solved.
“This investigation has never stopped,” Police Chief Tom Tilton said. “Our detectives and partners continue to evaluate leads, review evidence, and apply available investigative and forensic tools as they evolve. This work occurs every day.”
According to Tinley Park officials, Illinois State Police, the FBI, the Attorney General’s office, and the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office are continuing to offer assistance to the task force aimed at solving the cold case.
“With the help of new technology, access to national-level assets and new forensic capabilities, we are committed to solving this crime,” Village Manager Pat Carr said in a statement marking the anniversary.
According to police, the suspect was described as man with medium-to-dark skin tone between 6 feet and 6-foot-2 with broad shoulders and a husky build. At the time of the shooting, officers say he appeared to be between 25 and 35 years old. He was wearing black jeans with embroidery on the back pockets and a dark-colored jacket. His hair was braided into cornrows with one long braid hanging down his rights check with four light-green beads on the end.
Police have received thousands of tips over the years, but none have yielded an arrest.
A composite likeness of the suspect and an audio recording of the 911 calls remain online at the task force’s website. Anyone with information is urged to contact the tip line at 708-444-5394, or to email the tip line at lanebryant.tipline@tinleypark.org.
A reward of $100,000 is available for information that leads to an arrest in the case.
from NBC Chicago https://ift.tt/lPFMIT0
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