Krista Jean Melton, a 14-year-old White female from Brevard County, Florida, was reported missing on November 14, 1973. Her remains were discovered on January 31, 1974, in North Brevard, Florida. She had been shot in the head and was found fully clothed.
The investigation into Krista's death led to the arrest of Bernard Eugene Giles, a 20-year-old White male electrician from Titusville, Florida.
Giles had embarked on a killing spree between September and November 1973, targeting young female hitchhikers in Brevard County. His victims included Nancy Gerry, 18; Sharon Mary Wilmer, 14; Carolyn Jan Bennett, 17; Paula Darlene Hamric, 22; and Krista Jean Melton, 14. Giles lured these young women into his car, drove them to secluded areas, and then assaulted and murdered them.
Giles was apprehended on December 11, 1973, after two underage hitchhikers managed to escape from him and provided authorities with his name and a description of his vehicle. A search of his car led to the seizure of a. 22-caliber pistol, which ballistic tests later confirmed was used in the murder of Nancy Gerry. Initially charged with assault and attempted rape, Giles became the prime suspect in the disappearances and murders of several young women in the area.
In 1974, Giles entered a plea bargain with prosecutors, confessing to the murders of Krista Jean Melton and the other four victims. He was sentenced to multiple life terms in prison. In 1979, Giles escaped from prison but was recaptured 26 hours later. He received an additional 15-year sentence for the escape. Giles remains incarcerated in Florida.
