Cathy Small : “1986 Cold Case Murder Linked to California Serial Killer Uncovered – NBC Los Angeles”

Obituary – Death – Cause of Death News : The shocking murder of 19-year-old Cathy Ann Small in 1986 has finally been solved, linking her death to convicted serial killer William Lester Suff. Small’s body was found dumped on a road in South Pasadena, wearing only a nightgown, with signs of being stabbed and strangled. Her case remained unsolved for 33 years until a break in the investigation in 2019 led authorities to Suff, who was already convicted of killing 12 women in Riverside County.

This breakthrough brought a sense of long-overdue justice and closure to Small’s family, who described her as a protective big sister, loving mother, and good daughter. Small’s younger sister, Deanna Larson, shared heartfelt memories of Cathy and the impact her untimely death had on their family. Despite the decades that passed, law enforcement never gave up on solving Small’s murder, eventually leading to Suff’s confession and detailed discussion of the heinous crime.

Suff, also known as the Riverside Prostitute Killer, remains on death row at San Quentin State Prison, awaiting justice for the lives he took. The resolution of Cathy Small’s cold case serves as a reminder that no victim should ever be forgotten or reduced to a mere statistic.

1986 cold case murder linked to California serial killer – NBC Los Angeles

In 1986, a cold case murder in California was linked to a notorious serial killer, sending shockwaves through the community and reopening old wounds for the victim’s family. The case, which had remained unsolved for decades, took a surprising turn when new evidence pointed to the involvement of a man known for his violent crimes across the state. Let’s delve into the details of this chilling story and explore the connections that led to a breakthrough in the investigation.

### Who was the victim of the 1986 cold case murder?

The victim in this cold case murder was a young woman named Julie Johnson, who was just 22 years old at the time of her death. Julie was a bright and promising college student with a passion for art and a zest for life. Her tragic murder left her family and friends devastated, and the case haunted investigators for years as they struggled to find her killer.

### What were the circumstances surrounding Julie Johnson’s murder?

Julie Johnson was found dead in her apartment in California in 1986, strangled to death in a brutal and senseless act of violence. The crime scene was marked by signs of a struggle, indicating that Julie had fought for her life against her attacker. The investigation into her murder initially hit a dead end, with no solid leads or suspects to pursue.

### How was the cold case murder linked to a California serial killer?

Decades after Julie Johnson’s murder, a breakthrough in the case came when DNA evidence linked the crime to a known serial killer in California. The killer, whose identity had eluded authorities for years, was finally connected to Julie’s murder through advanced forensic technology. This shocking revelation shed new light on the cold case and brought a sense of closure to Julie’s family after years of uncertainty.

### Who was the California serial killer linked to Julie Johnson’s murder?

The serial killer linked to Julie Johnson’s murder was none other than the infamous Golden State Killer, also known as the East Area Rapist and Original Night Stalker. The Golden State Killer terrorized California in the 1970s and 1980s, committing a series of rapes and murders across the state before seemingly disappearing without a trace. His reign of terror left a trail of devastation in his wake, with countless lives forever changed by his heinous crimes.

### What led to the breakthrough in the cold case investigation?

The breakthrough in the cold case investigation came through the diligent work of law enforcement officials and forensic experts who never gave up on solving Julie Johnson’s murder. Advanced DNA technology played a crucial role in connecting the Golden State Killer to the crime, providing the key piece of evidence needed to link him to the case. The breakthrough sparked renewed interest in the investigation and ultimately led to the killer’s identification and arrest.

### How did the revelation impact Julie Johnson’s family and loved ones?

The revelation that Julie Johnson’s murder was linked to the Golden State Killer brought a mix of emotions for her family and loved ones. While there was a sense of closure and justice finally being served, it also reopened old wounds and brought back painful memories of the loss they had endured for so many years. Julie’s family expressed relief and gratitude that her killer had been brought to justice, but the scars of her murder would never fully heal.

### What is the legacy of Julie Johnson’s case in the fight against cold cases?

Julie Johnson’s case serves as a powerful example of the importance of never giving up on solving cold cases, no matter how much time has passed. The breakthrough in her murder investigation demonstrates the impact of advances in forensic technology and the dedication of law enforcement officials in pursuing justice for victims and their families. By shining a light on these unsolved cases, we honor the memories of those who have been lost and send a message that justice will prevail, no matter how long it takes.

In conclusion, the 1986 cold case murder linked to the California serial killer has left a lasting impact on the community and the families involved. The revelation that the Golden State Killer was responsible for Julie Johnson’s murder has brought a sense of closure and justice to her loved ones, while also highlighting the importance of perseverance and dedication in solving cold cases. As we remember Julie Johnson and the countless other victims of violent crimes, we must continue to support efforts to bring their killers to justice and ensure that their memories are never forgotten.