On a summer day in June 1978, the Lorenz family was traveling through Oklahoma with a heavy heart, on their way to a funeral. Melvin George Lorenz, a 38-year-old male, was behind the wheel, accompanied by his 31-year-old wife, Linda, and their 12-year-old son, Richard. As they made their way along Interstate 35 near Purcell, they noticed a seemingly stranded motorist and, in an act of kindness, pulled over to offer their assistance.
This compassionate decision would tragically be their last.
The stranded motorist was a woman named Verna Stafford, who was not in any actual distress but was instead acting as a decoy. Her husband, Roger Dale Stafford, and his brother, Harold Stafford, were lying in wait. As soon as Melvin Lorenz approached to help, the two men emerged and the family's simple act of goodwill turned into a horrifying ordeal. The trio's intention was robbery, and what unfolded was a crime of brutal and senseless violence. The Lorenz family was robbed and then mercilessly shot and killed on the side of the highway. Their bodies were later found discarded in a field.
The investigation into the shocking murders of the Lorenz family gained significant momentum following another heinous crime. Just a few weeks later, six employees of a Sirloin Stockade restaurant in Oklahoma City were murdered during a robbery in a similarly ruthless fashion. This second massacre led law enforcement to connect the two cases, suspecting the same perpetrators were responsible. The subsequent investigation ultimately led them to Roger Dale Stafford, his wife Verna, and his brother Harold.
Before he could be brought to justice, Harold Stafford was killed in a motorcycle accident. However, Roger and Verna Stafford were apprehended. Verna Stafford became the key to unlocking the full scope of their horrific crime spree. In exchange for a plea deal, she testified against her husband, providing a chilling, detailed account of the Lorenz family's final moments and Roger's role as the triggerman. Her testimony was crucial in securing his conviction. Roger Dale Stafford was found guilty of the murders of the Lorenz family and the Sirloin Stockade employees and was ultimately executed for his crimes. Verna Stafford received two life sentences for her participation.
