Crime Solvers Central
Crime Solvers Central
298 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.

Forum Posts for John Oertel:
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I was reading about the disturbing case of John Oertel's murder and couldn't help but feel a mixture of anger and sorrow. One thing that really struck me is how these crimes affected the whole community of East St. Louis. It’s terrifying to think about how many people felt unsafe in their own homes during this spree of violence by Davis and Holman.
Knowing they specifically targeted elderly victims adds another layer of devastation. These were individuals in the later stages of their lives, simply trying to live peacefully in their homes. The fact that Davis and Holman chose such vulnerable people speaks volumes about their lack of humanity. I hope the community has found some level of peace over the years, but I can't imagine how hard it must have been to move forward after such a terrifying time.
My thoughts are with anyone who was affected by this tragic series of events. Does anyone here have more insight on how the local community responded or any initiatives that might have been started as a result?
I recently stumbled upon the harrowing case of John Oertel and couldn't help but think about the trauma this must have caused the community of East St. Louis back then. The fact that Girvies Davis and Richard Holman consciously chose to target elderly individuals is chilling. These were people in the twilight years of their lives who deserved peace and security, not to be victims of such violence.
I can't imagine what Mr. Oertel's loved ones went through, knowing he was robbed of his life in such a senseless manner. It's particularly upsetting to realize that Davis and Holman showed no regard for human life, prioritizing theft over compassion. Their actions left not only physical scars but emotional ones that likely linger in the community to this day.
I also keep reflecting on how cases like this one fuel debates about crime and punishment. It's a complex issue, but at the heart of it are real people whose lives are forever changed. My thoughts are with those who continue to be affected by this tragedy and others like it.
I've been reading up on the tragic case of John Oertel, and something that sticks out to me is the fear that must have swept through East St. Louis back in 1979. To think about how the elderly in the community felt, knowing they were being specifically targeted, is chilling. The knowledge that Girvies Davis and Richard Holman were on the loose must have created an immense amount of anxiety and fear among neighbors and friends alike. Can you imagine being in that community, feeling unsafe even in your own home? My heart goes out to the victims and their families who had to live through that terrifying time. I'm grateful that justice was eventually served, but it's a tough reminder of how vital community support and vigilance can be in times of crisis. If anyone here lived in East St. Louis during that time, I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on how the community managed to cope with such a dreadful situation.