Averill Deanna Weeden, a 48-year-old woman, was tragically murdered on May 25, 1985. She was a landlord in Redding, California, and had rented a room to Robert Edward Maury, later known as the "Tipster Killer." Weeden suddenly went missing in late May 1985, prompting an investigation. Authorities initially interviewed Maury, who denied any involvement in her disappearance.
On June 19, an anonymous caller contacted the Secret Witness Program of Shasta County, claiming to have information
about Weeden's whereabouts and inquiring about a potential reward. The same caller reached out again on August 8, stating that he had found Weeden's body but would only disclose its location in exchange for compensation. After negotiations, the caller provided precise directions to a wooded area along Bechelli Lane near South Bonnyview Road in Redding. Investigators dispatched to the scene discovered Weeden's body, partially buried and wrapped in cardboard.
An autopsy conducted on August 23 revealed that Weeden had suffered multiple skull fractures and a fractured bone in her throat, indicating she had been strangled. Following the discovery, the Secret Witness Program received additional calls from the anonymous individual, who at one point suggested that the killer's name was Robert or Bob. In another call, the man claimed that Weeden had been picked up at dusk and killed with a six- to eight-inch rock on May 23.
Maury was interviewed again by investigators on September 4, but he continued to deny involvement. Over a year later, on September 11, 1986, the same anonymous caller contacted the Secret Witness Program to report a burglary while simultaneously requesting immunity in the Weeden murder investigation. Authorities eventually identified Maury as the perpetrator and arrested him on November 7, 1987. He was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. Maury was also linked to the murders of two other women, Dawn Marie Berryhill and Belinda Jo Stark, both of whom were strangled.
Maury's modus operandi involved anonymously calling tip lines to provide misleading information about his crimes, sometimes collecting reward money in the process. His actions earned him the moniker "Tipster Killer." He remains incarcerated at San Quentin State Prison, awaiting execution.
