Could this woman be the victim of a serial killer? Valerie Schultz, aged 27, was found dead on January 6, 1999, in Pittsburg, California. Her body was discovered in an industrial area, which had also been the site of other murders around the same time. Valerie, who was reportedly a sex worker, had suffered both stabbing and strangulation, which suggested a brutal and deliberate act of violence. The crime scene was similar to other cases during the period, raising suspicions that a serial offender might be involved.
These similarities included bodies being found in ditches near industrial areas, hinting at a potential pattern in the modus operandi of the assailant.
Valerie Schultz's death occurred during a series of murders in Pittsburg, where several women were killed in similar ways between late 1998 and early 1999. The killings led to considerable public outcry and fear, as residents grappled with the reality of a potential serial killer operating in their midst. The authorities investigated potential suspects, including Phillip Garrido, who was later known for his involvement in the abduction of Jaycee Dugard. Garrido was named a "person of interest" in these cases due to his proximity to the crime scenes and his criminal history, but no conclusive evidence linking him to Schultz's murder was ever found.
Despite various investigative efforts and public appeals for information, Valerie Schultz's murder remains unsolved, along with other similar cases from that period in Pittsburg. The connection between the murders, if any, has never been fully established, and law enforcement continues to look for leads that could finally bring justice to the victims and their families. The case remains a tragic reminder of the unresolved violence that plagued the Pittsburg area during that time.
