In the summer of 1975, a shadow of fear stretched over the city of Detroit, a fear that would ultimately claim the life of Andrea Lynn Coxton. A 23-year-old woman, Andrea became a victim in a string of brutal murders that haunted the city's Cass Corridor. Her life was cut short on July 13th of that year, one of several women who fell prey to a man the press and police would come to call the 'Bigfoot Killer.'
The killer targeted women who were often in vulnerable situations, and Andrea's death was a stark reminder of the dangers that lurked on the city streets.
The investigation into Andrea's murder was part of a much larger and more complex case. The perpetrator was described by witnesses as a tall, muscular African-American man with an afro and distinctive facial hair. He was known to drive a beige Oldsmobile, luring his victims with the offer of money before subjecting them to a horrifying ordeal of violence that ended in their strangulation. The sheer size of the man, particularly his large hands and feet, is what led to his memorable and intimidating nickname. The community, particularly activists and residents of the Cass Corridor, grew increasingly vocal, accusing the police of negligence and not doing enough to protect the women in their neighborhood. They pointed to what they saw as a lack of urgency and a failure to properly disseminate information about the killer, arguing that the victims' social status played a role in the perceived inadequate response from law enforcement.
A break in the case seemed to come in January of 1976 with the arrest of Carl Mayweather Jr., a 29-year-old man who fit the physical description of the 'Bigfoot Killer.' Mayweather was apprehended during an attempted assault and had a prior history of violence against women. His large stature and shoe size made him a prime suspect, and for a time, it seemed as though justice for Andrea and the other victims was within reach. However, after a thorough investigation, Mayweather was found to have solid alibis for at least four of the murders. With no further evidence linking him to the crimes, he was eventually cleared as a suspect in the 'Bigfoot' killings.
To this day, the murder of Andrea Coxton remains unsolved. The 'Bigfoot Killer' was never apprehended, and the identity of the man responsible for the reign of terror in 1975 is still unknown. The case grew cold, leaving a legacy of fear and unanswered questions. For the families of Andrea and the other victims, there has been no closure, only the enduring pain of knowing that the person responsible for their loved ones' deaths was never brought to justice.
