The Great Basin Murders
Overview
The term "Great Basin Murders" refers to a series of homicides that occurred between 1983 and 1997 across the states of Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, and Idaho. These crimes involved at least nine women, primarily teenagers or young adults, who were sexually assaulted and murdered. The victims' bodies were often discovered near interstate highways traversing the Great Basin region, leading to the collective naming of these cases. Initially, it was speculated that a single serial killer, dubbed the "Great Basin Killer," was responsible. However, investigations have since suggested that multiple unrelated perpetrators may have been involved.
Confirmed Victims
-
Janelle Lee Johnson
Age: 23
Disappeared: February 17, 1983
Body Found: March 1, 1983
Location: Fremont County, Wyoming
Details: Janelle was last seen hitchhiking from Denver, Colorado, to Riverton, Wyoming. Her body was discovered in a shallow grave, showing signs of sexual assault and strangulation. Bite marks were found on her shoulder. The perpetrator remains unidentified.
-
Lisa Marie Kimmell
Age: 18
Disappeared: March 25, 1988
Body Found: April 2, 1988
Location: North Platte River near Casper, Wyoming
Details: Lisa was traveling from Denver, Colorado, to Billings, Montana, in her black 1988 Honda CR-X with the license plate "LIL MISS." She was abducted, sexually assaulted, and held captive for several days before being murdered. Her body was found floating in the river. The case remained unsolved for years until DNA evidence linked Dale Wayne Eaton to the crime, leading to his conviction.
-
Patricia Walsh and Douglas Scott Zyskowski
Age: 24 (Patricia), 26 (Douglas)
Disappeared: January 1990
Bodies Found: October 26, 1990 (Patricia); January 21, 1990 (Douglas)
Locations: Millard County, Utah (Patricia); Sutton County, Texas (Douglas)
Details: The married couple was hitchhiking from Seattle, Washington, to Georgia for a religious convention. Douglas's body was found in Texas, having been beaten and shot. Patricia's remains were discovered months later in Utah. Serial killer Robert Ben Rhoades, known for abducting victims in his truck, was later convicted for their murders.
-
Barbara Kaye Williams
Age: 19
Disappeared: March 1990
Body Found: May 9, 1990
Location: Near a highway in Nevada
Details: Barbara was last seen in March 1990. Her body was discovered months later, showing signs of strangulation and beating. The case remains unsolved.
-
"Bitter Creek Betty" (Unidentified)
Estimated Age: 24-32
Body Found: March 1, 1992
Location: Bitter Creek, Wyoming
Details: An unidentified woman was found near Bitter Creek, showing signs of homicide. Despite efforts, her identity and the perpetrator remain unknown.
Unsolved Cases
Several cases within the Great Basin Murders remain unsolved, with both the identities of the victims and the perpetrators still unknown. These cases highlight the challenges faced by law enforcement in connecting transient populations, vast geographic areas, and limited forensic evidence.
...Read More
Account
