John Charles Bolsinger: A Detailed Account of His Crimes
Early Life and First Known Murder
Born on September 17, 1957, in Springfield, Oregon, John Charles Bolsinger's criminal activities began in Utah. On March 29, 1980, while residing in Magna, Utah, he encountered 33-year-old Kaysie Sorensen at a bar. Later that evening, Bolsinger visited Sorensen's apartment at 8044 W. 3500 South. During their interaction, an altercation ensued, leading Bolsinger to strangle Sorensen with a clock radio cord. After the murder, he stole a stereo from her residence. Sorensen's body was discovered the following day by the apartment manager. Bolsinger was arrested shortly thereafter, charged with second-degree murder, and sentenced to a 5-year-to-life term. He served his sentence at the Utah State Prison until his parole on March 7, 1986.
Subsequent Murders in Oregon
Upon his release, Bolsinger returned to his hometown of Springfield, Oregon. Within months, a series of brutal murders occurred in the nearby city of Eugene:
- June 5, 1986: Gladys Mae Hensley, 62, was found deceased in her apartment at a senior citizens' complex on High Street. The discovery was made by an apartment employee after Hensley had not been seen for several days. Evidence indicated she was murdered in the early hours of June 4.
- June 19, 1986: Janice Marie Dickinson, 33, was discovered behind a car dealership on Coburg Road, near the Ferry Street Bridge. Her body was found beneath a tree by a mechanic. She was partially clothed, and evidence suggested sexual assault.
- February 28, 1988: Geraldine Spencer Toohey, 73, was found murdered in her home on Franklin Boulevard. The previous evening, while on the phone with her sister, the line abruptly disconnected. Concerned, her sister visited the next day and discovered Toohey's body. She had been sexually assaulted, stabbed, and strangled.
Intervening Criminal Activity and Arrest
Between the murders of Hensley and Dickinson, Bolsinger was involved in another criminal incident. On September 26, 1986, he attempted to burglarize a woman's apartment in Springfield. The resident was alerted by her dog's unusual behavior and discovered Bolsinger peering through her kitchen window. As he attempted to enter, she contacted 911. During the intrusion, Bolsinger confronted her, but she managed to fend him off by striking him with a phone and flashlight. He fled the scene but was later apprehended by a K9 unit. Bolsinger claimed memory loss regarding the incident. He was convicted of burglary and sentenced to five years in prison, serving part of his term in Oregon before being transferred back to Utah for a parole violation. He was released on December 8, 1987.
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