Paula Baxter, a 17-year-old female, was tragically murdered on February 4, 1976. She was last seen after finishing a play rehearsal at Capuchino High School in San Mateo County, California. Her abandoned car was later discovered, but Paula herself was missing. Two days later, her nude body was found behind the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Ludeman Lane in Millbrae. She had been stabbed four times, sexually assaulted, and struck on the head with a piece of concrete.
Her murder was part of a series of killings known as the 'Gypsy Hill killings,' which involved multiple young female victims in the same region during early 1976. Investigators later linked Paula Baxter's murder to that of 18-year-old Veronica Cascio through forensic evidence. The case remained unsolved for decades until advancements in DNA technology led authorities to Rodney Halbower, a convicted criminal already serving time in Oregon for attempted murder. In 2014, DNA evidence connected Halbower to the rapes and murders of Paula Baxter and Veronica Cascio.
Halbower was extradited to California to stand trial for the Gypsy Hill murders. In September 2018, he was convicted of the murders of Paula Baxter and Veronica Cascio. The jury deliberated for just over an hour before finding him guilty. He was sentenced to two life sentences, which would run concurrently. However, before serving his sentence in California, Halbower was required to complete his existing prison term in Oregon. Prosecutors emphasized that he would never be released, ensuring that he would remain behind bars for the rest of his life.
Despite the conviction, Halbower's defense attorney planned to appeal the verdict, citing concerns about his mental health and trial proceedings. The case highlighted the importance of DNA technology in solving cold cases and bringing long-overdue justice to victims and their families.
