Bobby Jack Fowler: A Detailed Account of His Crimes
Background
Bobby Jack Fowler (June 12, 1939 – May 20, 2006) was an American criminal with a history of violent offenses, including attempted murder, sexual assault, and firearms violations. Born in Texas, Fowler led a transient lifestyle, working in construction and traveling extensively across North America, including states like Florida, Iowa, Louisiana, Oregon, South Carolina, Arizona, Tennessee, Washington, and the Canadian province of British Columbia. His nomadic existence and employment in various locations made it challenging for law enforcement to connect him to multiple crimes over the years.
Known and Suspected Crimes
Fowler's criminal activities spanned several decades, with investigations linking him to numerous violent incidents:
- 1969, Texas: Charged with murdering a man and woman; however, he was only convicted of discharging a firearm within city limits.
- 1974, British Columbia, Canada: DNA evidence connected Fowler to the murder of 16-year-old Colleen MacMillen, who disappeared while hitchhiking near 100 Mile House. Her body was discovered a month later.
- 1973, British Columbia, Canada: Suspected in the murders of:
- Gale Weys (19): Disappeared while hitchhiking near Clearwater; her body was found six months later.
- Pamela Darlington (19): Last seen in Kamloops; her body was discovered the following day in a local park.
- 1992, Oregon, USA: Suspected in the murders of:
- Melissa Sanders (17) and Sheila Swanson (19): Last seen near Beverly Beach State Park; their bodies were found months later in a wooded area near Eddyville.
- 1995, Oregon, USA: Suspected in the murders of:
- Jennifer Esson (15) and Kara Leas (16): Their bodies were discovered in 1995 near Newport, Oregon. Fowler was later identified as a suspect in their deaths.
- 1995, Newport, Oregon, USA: Attempted assault on a woman who escaped by jumping from a motel window. Fowler was arrested and later convicted for this crime.
Modus Operandi
Fowler often targeted young women who were hitchhiking or encountered them in bars and motels. He had a history of substance abuse, including alcohol and methamphetamines, which may have contributed to his violent behavior. His transient lifestyle and employment in various regions allowed him to evade detection for extended periods.
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