Richmond, Va. – After nearly thirty years, federal authorities in Virginia announced on Thursday that a now-deceased serial rapist from Ohio has been identified as the suspect responsible for the murders of two young women in Shenandoah National Park. The bodies of Julianne “Julie” Williams and Laura “Lollie” Winans were discovered bound and gagged at their campsite in 1996, sparking fear in the LGBTQ+ community. However, the FBI clarified during a recent news conference that there is no evidence suggesting the women were targeted due to their sexual orientation.
A breakthrough in the case came in 2021 when a new investigative team revisited the cold case. DNA extracted from evidence at the crime scene matched that of Walter “Leo” Jackson Sr., a convicted rapist from Ohio. Jackson, who passed away in 2018, had a criminal history including kidnappings, rapes, and assaults which led authorities to believe he was responsible for the brutal murders.
Despite investigating the possibility of the crimes being hate-motivated, authorities found no evidence that Jackson had targeted the women based on their sexual orientation. The recent DNA testing revealed a strong connection to Jackson, with the chances of the DNA found at the scene belonging to someone other than him being incredibly slim.
Family members of Williams and Winans were recently informed of the developments in the case, providing some closure after years of seeking answers. Jackson, a house painter by profession, died in prison at the age of 70, leaving behind a history of violent crimes and imprisonments spanning several decades.
While questions were raised about why the suspect wasn’t identified earlier through DNA testing, authorities emphasized the continued commitment to seeking justice in unsolved cases related to Jackson. The tragic loss of Williams and Winans, two avid hikers passionate about environmental issues, deeply impacted their communities and highlighted the importance of ongoing investigative efforts.
The FBI, along with other law enforcement agencies, are working diligently to determine if Jackson may be linked to other unsolved crimes. Despite the passage of time, the agency remains dedicated to pursuing justice and ensuring closure for victims and their loved ones.