206 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.

Linda Stephens Lorenz

Death by Force
Case Description
Any updates on this case? Let us know!
On a summer day in June of 1978, a journey of sorrow turned into a horrifying tragedy for the Lorenz family. Linda Stephens Lorenz, a 31-year-old woman, her husband Melvin, and their 12-year-old son Richard were traveling through Oklahoma, making their way to a family funeral. Their trip was abruptly interrupted near Purcell when they noticed what appeared to be a stranded motorist and, in a gesture of kindness, pulled over to offer their assistance. This act of compassion would be their last. T ...Read More
Links to Additional Sources (2)
See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • Roger Dale Stafford - Wikipedia
  • TSGT Linda Stephens Lorenz (1947-1978) - Find a Grave Memorial
    • Victim Details

    Linda Stephens Lorenz

    Female

    White / Caucasian

    Purcell

    OK

    1978-06-22

    31

    Linda

    Stephens Lorenz

    11/22/2025

    Forum Posts (3)
    I've been thinking a lot about little Richard Lorenz and how devastating his story is. Imagine being... ...Read More
    11/21/2024
    I was just reading about the tragic case of Linda Stephens Lorenz and her family. It really hits har... ...Read More
    07/04/2024
    I was thinking about the bravery it must have taken for Verna Stafford to testify against Roger and ... ...Read More
    05/13/2023
    Other Cases from Purcell, Oklahoma

    Belinda Regalado

    Death: Aug 22, 2016
    In the late summer of 2016, the community of Purcell, Oklahoma, was shaken by the tragic death of 58 5 ...Read More