Janet Herstein, a 17-year-old white female from Fresno, California, was tragically murdered on May 18, 1977. At the time of her death, she was delivering newspapers for the Fresno Guide as part of her regular route. Janet disappeared partway through her deliveries, prompting an immediate search. Her bicycle and a bundle of undelivered newspapers were later discovered abandoned in a ditch, raising alarm among her family and the local community.
Investigators retraced her route and began
canvassing the Butler Park neighborhood, where she had last been seen. During their inquiries, they encountered a man who identified himself as “McGowan,” living in the area with his wife. As the investigation progressed, authorities uncovered that “McGowan” was actually Ray Dell Sims, a man with a deeply troubling past. Sims had assumed multiple identities over the years, and even his wife was unaware of his true name.
Ray Dell Sims was eventually arrested and charged with the murder of 17-year-old white female Janet Herstein. He was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. Years later, Sims was also convicted of the 1974 murder of 15-year-old Elizabeth Ortega, another young girl from the Fresno area. Prosecutors and investigators believe Sims may be responsible for the deaths of at least five young women, including other unsolved cases from the mid-1970s. Despite the passage of time, DNA evidence played a crucial role in securing his conviction in the Ortega case.
Janet Herstein's mother, Edna, remained a vocal advocate for justice and attended Sims' later trials. She expressed frustration that Sims, even while incarcerated, could potentially profit from his crimes through the sale of so-called “murderabilia.” Her advocacy highlighted the emotional toll such crimes take on victims' families and the importance of ensuring that convicted killers are held accountable—not only legally, but morally.
