Cynthia Lynn Coffman

Serial Killer

Cynthia Lynn Coffman

Cynthia Lynn Coffman was an American murderer whose violent partnership with James Gregory Marlow produced a brief but exceptionally serious crime spree in 1986. Coffman and Marlow traveled through several states, committed robberies and other crimes, and ultimately became responsible for the kidnappings and murders of young women in Southern California. Coffman was convicted of two murders, those of Corinna Novis and Lynell Murray, while evidence presented in court also connected her to an earlier murder-for-hire in Kentucky. Although some accounts credit Coffman and Marlow with four or even five victims, the record is more complicated. Two murders resulted in Coffman's convictions. The Kentucky killing of Gregory Hill was described in court proceedings as a murder in which Coffman participated, although she was not ultimately tried and convicted for Hill's death in Kentucky. Pamela Simmons has also been listed as a possible victim, but her Arizona homicide remained an unsolved case and the available evidence does not establish that Coffman and Marlow killed her. Sandra Ann Neary is frequently included on online victim lists as well, but contemporary police reporting is inconsistent with that attribution: investigators initially considered a possible connection but later arrested another man for Neary's murder.

Early Life and Relationship With James Marlow

Coffman was born on January 19, 1962, in St. Louis, Missouri. She graduated from high school and became a mother in 1980. She married the father of her son but separated from him in 1982. In 1984, Coffman left Missouri for Arizona, eventually living in Page, Arizona, and later in Barstow, California. She worked at various times as a bartender and waitress and acknowledged involvement with methamphetamine. Coffman met James Gregory Marlow in California during 1986. Marlow had an extensive criminal history and had spent time in prison, where he acquired the nickname "Folsom Wolf." Within a relatively short period, Coffman abandoned her previous relationship and began traveling with Marlow. Their lives became increasingly centered around methamphetamine, theft, burglary and violence. Coffman's later defense focused heavily on Marlow's treatment of her. She testified that he subjected her to severe physical violence and threats, including threats against her son and family. She described being beaten, tied up and controlled by Marlow. On one occasion, she said, Marlow cut off her hair during a violent episode. Her attorneys presented expert testimony concerning battered woman syndrome and argued that fear and psychological domination influenced her participation in the crimes. Prosecutors did not dispute that Marlow had abused Coffman, but they rejected the claim that abuse excused her conduct. Evidence presented at trial portrayed Coffman as an active participant in selecting victims, restraining them, using their property and helping Marlow before and after the killings. Jurors ultimately rejected the defense as a basis for avoiding criminal responsibility.

The Gregory Hill Murder-for-Hire

Before the California murders, Coffman and Marlow traveled to Kentucky. According to testimony and evidence later presented in California court proceedings, they became involved in a plan to murder 28-year-old Gregory Hill for money. On or about July 7, 1986, in Whitley County, Kentucky, Coffman helped lure Hill from his residence by pretending to need assistance with a vehicle. Hill approached the truck where Coffman was waiting and looked beneath its hood. Marlow, who had been hiding nearby, then appeared. Hill was subsequently shot in the head. His body was found on Upper Mulberry Cemetery Road, approximately one-tenth of a mile from his residence. Marlow later admitted that more than $5,000 had been paid for Hill's killing. Coffman testified that she knew the purpose of the trip to Kentucky involved a contract killing and acknowledged participating in the plan by luring Hill toward the waiting vehicle, although she maintained that Marlow fired the fatal shot. Both Coffman and Marlow were eventually indicted in Kentucky in connection with Hill's death, but the California prosecutions and death sentences took precedence. ...

Confirmed Victims: (2)

Lynell Murray Age: (19), Date of Death: 1986-11-12

Suspected Victims:

Gregory Hill Age: (28), Date of Death: 1986-07-07

Pamela Simmons Age: (35), Date of Death: 1986-11-07

Sandra Neary Age: (20), Date of Death: 1986-10-11

Killer Couple: The True Story of James Marlow