Collette Marie Goodenough, a 19-year-old white female, was tragically murdered in January 1973. Born on November 4, 1953, in Châteauroux, France, she was living in Florida at the time of her death. Collette and her friend, Barbara Ann Wilcox, were last seen on January 8, 1973, while hitchhiking in Florida. The two young women disappeared under suspicious circumstances, and their remains were later discovered, confirming they had been victims of homicide.
Collette Marie Goodenough and
Barbara Ann Wilcox were reportedly killed by a serial killer who was also a police officer. This individual was later identified as Gerard John Schaefer, a former Florida law enforcement officer who was convicted of multiple murders. Schaefer was known for targeting young women, often those who were hitchhiking or otherwise vulnerable. His crimes spanned several years, and he was eventually linked to the deaths of numerous victims, including Collette and Barbara.
The case drew significant attention due to the shocking revelation that the perpetrator was a member of law enforcement. Schaefer used his position of authority to lure victims into a false sense of security before committing his crimes. He was arrested and convicted in connection with the murders of two other young women, but investigators believe he may have been responsible for many more, including the deaths of 19-year-old white females Collette Marie Goodenough and Barbara Ann Wilcox.
Although Schaefer was never formally charged with the murders of Collette and Barbara, evidence strongly suggested his involvement. Items belonging to the victims were reportedly found among Schaefer's possessions, and the circumstances of their disappearance matched his known methods. The case remains a chilling example of how someone in a position of trust can exploit that role to commit horrific acts.
