Stephanie Singleton, a 26-year-old woman from Orlando, Florida, was tragically found dead on April 29, 1997. Her death was part of a series of violent crimes committed by Frederick Pete Cox, a serial killer who targeted women in the Orlando area during a crime spree in 1997. Cox's modus operandi involved driving around Orlando in his car and picking up women he believed to be prostitutes, subsequently shooting them.
Singleton, along with another victim, Mary Ann Voepel, was found dead in a wooded area near Interstate 4. Both women were transient and had histories of drug addiction and arrests for minor offenses.
The investigation into Singleton's death revealed that she had been killed approximately 12 hours before her body was discovered. The Orlando police, led by Investigator Glen Gause, worked diligently to piece together the events leading up to her murder. Despite the challenging circumstances, including the transient nature of the victims and their involvement in drug use, the police were able to gather crucial evidence that pointed to Cox as the perpetrator.
Frederick Pete Cox was eventually apprehended and charged with multiple counts of murder and attempted murder. His first trial in February 2001 ended in a hung jury, but he was later found guilty in a subsequent trial. Cox was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murders, along with an additional 30 years for attempted murder. The case of Stephanie Singleton and the other victims highlighted the dangers faced by vulnerable individuals living on the margins of society and underscored the importance of thorough and persistent investigative work in bringing justice to the victims and their families.
