Mary Kristene Chapa, 18, and her girlfriend, Mollie Olgin, 19, were shot in the head at Violet Andrews Park in Portland, Texas on June 22. [16], In 2017, Kristene Chapa filed a lawsuit against David Strickland, his father Larry Joe Strickland, and Taft Pharmacy, the family business, seeking $500 million in damages. It points out that a jury found "ample evidence" to convict Strickland. A friend said Chapa remembers the night of the shooting. Mollie Judith Olgin, a 19 year old student at Texas A&M, was declared dead; Mary Christine Chapa, 18, was taken to a nearby hospital where she is said to be in serious but stable condition. Olgin, 19, and her girlfriend Chapa, 18, were found shot in the head Saturday in a Portland, Tx park. We've been working very hard to make sure we get him as soon as possible. The Portland, Texas couple was found shot in the head on Saturday, June 23. A memorial is seen at the corner of Market and Castro Streets during a vigil for Mollie Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa (pictured). (AP Photo/Corpus Christi Caller-Times, Michael Zamora). The type of DNA testing being done uses technology that wasn't available at the time of Strickland's trial. The investigators worked the case, eventually arresting the culprit, David Strickland. Ashlee Burns covers trending and breaking news in South Texas. A man murdered his wife and young son, made a cryptic 911 call and died by suicide, according to police in Portland, Texas. The motion states while prosecutors agreed to have the DNA testing done, they didn't agree that Strickland would be exonerated. [8] In October 1999, he was executed in the Huntsville Unit by lethal injection. There is still a lot to do in order to prepare the case for prosectuion". "While we know the community has many questions, this is still an active investigation and we would not want to do anything to jeopardize the case," Portland Police Chief Gary Giles said in a news release. December 17, 2021 In June 2012, a young teenage couple was found shot in a park in Portland, Texas. Mary Kristene Chapa, 18, and her girlfriend, Mollie Olgin, 19, were shot in the head at Violet Andrews Park in Portland, Texas on June 22. Roel Garza did not have a history of violence before the murder-suicide, cops said. But after a police press conference on Saturday announcing the arrest, she told the Corpus Christi Caller-Times that though she felt safer: It will never take back the pain and hurt he did to our families. This is still an active investigation. Portland police say they don't know the motive for the shooting Friday night that killed 19-year-old Mollie Olgin and wounded 18-year-old Mary Kristene Chapa in Violet Andrews Park. Authorities didn't investigate the fatal attack as a hate crime even though the incident happened during Pride weekend. Could David Strickland be exonerated in 2012 Portland double shooting? Police said Hlavka had been sexually assaulted and strangled with the electric cord from her clock radio.[1]. Mollie, 19, suffered a gunshot wound to the neck and was pronounced dead on the scene. His sentence will automatically be appealed. 1 most stressful city for U.S. workers, Turner: State takeover of Houston ISD could happen next week, Bun B on bringing Southern rap stars to Houston's Rodeo, 'Call me a Nazi': Former Houston pastor calls for state book ban, Astros show struggles with new MLB pitch clock rules, How the Houston Zoo moved its flock of flamingos to a new home, This is what Houston looks like from space, West Texans share apocalyptic photos of after massive dust storm, Houston leaders delay vote on Hobby Airport concesssions contract, Watch: Houston Astros' Luis Garcia debuts new windup, Houston pitmaster goes viral after hilarious on-air interview with reporter. It is one day before the two-year anniversary. After two hours of being interviewed by Portland police and Texas Rangers, Strickland confessed. (PHOTOS: Teens in America: Class Pictures). Attorneys for convicted killer David Strickland are asking for a hearing along with records they hope will prove someone else was to blame for the 2012 double shooting in a Portland park. Olgin died from her wounds, but Chapa is currently recovering in a local hospital. In the last 5 years Portland has seen increasing violent crime and decreasing property crime. His sentence will automatically be appealed. A vigil was held for the girls at a local high school Sunday and a candle-lit walk is scheduled to take place in the park on Friday. December 17, 2021 In June 2012, a young teenage couple was found shot in a park in Portland, Texas. In a Nov. 30 motion that was previously sealed, Strickland's attorney Cynthia Orr argues a different man whose DNA was found at thescene and on the surviving victimis actually responsible for the crime. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. The incident was premeditated. They followed my story since day one and I want to thank everybody for that.". Man and wife jailed in 2-year-old attack on female couple near Corpus Christi, Portland police still seek leads in teen couple shooting. His wife is charged with tampering with evidence. The following morning, a couple discovered the bodies of the two women in knee-high grass near a scenic lookout in the park, police said. [12][13], On September 28, 2016, a San Patricio County jury found David Strickland guilty of capital murder and aggravated sexual assault. Two young women believed to be in a romantic relationship were apparently shot by a mysterious assailant in Portland, Texas Friday night. During her recovery, Chapa worked with police to help identify her shooter. Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News, David Strickland, 27, was arrested June 20, 2014, in Helotes. Friends of the girls have said that Olgin and Chapa began dating five months ago. He is charged with capital murder, aggravated sexual assault and aggravated assault. A man murdered his wife and young son, made a cryptic 911 call and died by suicide, according to police in Portland, Texas. David Malcolm Strickland, 27, was arrested Friday by U.S. Chapa was 18 years old in June 2012 when she and her girlfriend Mollie Olgin were shot in the head execution-style at Violet Andrews Park in Portland, Texas. He is facing charges of capital murder, aggravated assault with a weapon and aggravated sexual assault in the June 23, 2012, attack on Mollie Olgin, 19, who died in the shooting in Portland on the Corpus Christi Bay. [12][14][15], Attorneys for Strickland filed a motion for his conviction to be overturned based on the newfound DNA evidence, which District Attorney Sam Smith dismissed on an updated episode of Dateline. Despite having the sketches, Portland Police, who were investigating the case with help from the Texas Rangers, had no leads until earlier this month. Portland, OR 97006 (503) 906-1249; Garza shot both Phillips and Eli twice, Cory said. "I struggle with [post-traumatic stress disorder] and anxiety. Members and supporters of the gay community held a vigil on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 in San Francisco, Calif., at the corner of Castro and Market Streets for Mollie Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa, two lesbian teens who were shot on Friday near Corpus Christi, Texas. Chapa had to relearn how to walk, talk and even smile again after the attack, she said, noting that she's now "doing well" overall. It was written from the perspective of a hitman who claimed that someone from Layton, Utah, was responsible for the attacks and had wanted Kristene dead. Olgin's girlfriend, Kristene Chapa, then 18, survived. More: David Strickland's attorney: Impending DNA testing will clear him of Portland Park murder, Sign up to have news emailed to you daily, David Strickland's attorney: Impending DNA testing will clear him of Portland Park murder, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. She is charged with tampering with evidence in connection with the 2012 attack on Mollie Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa. Portland police say they don't know the motive for the shooting Friday night, June 22, 2012, that killed 19-year-old Mollie Olgin and wounded 18-year-old Mary Kristene Chapa in Violet Andrews Park. U.S. The chief described the mother as struck multiple times in the head., We had four officers on scene, and it was rough on them, Cory said. I want to have my independence back.". A resident of a nearby home said that she heard two loud bangs the night of the events, but discounted the sounds as firecrackers. Previously, DNA found on a cigarette butt and energy drink can at the scene both matched to Spellman. He called 911 on Saturday at about 1:30 a.m., but he did not reveal much, cops said, according to KIII-TV. Attorneys for convicted killer David Strickland are asking for a hearing along with records they hope will prove someone else was to blame for the 2012 double shooting in a Portland park. Members and supporters of the gay community held a vigil on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 in San Francisco, Calif., at the corner of Castro and Market Streets for Mollie Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa, two lesbian teens who were shot on Friday near Corpus Christi, Texas. Furthermore, when the letter was delivered, Kristenes family saw a black sedan in the area. Marshals, Texas Rangers and the police officers from Portland, where the attack occurred, detained Strickland and his wife, Laura Kimberly, 23. WebAMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) - Police say a Texas mother has been charged with murder in the death of her 2-month-old baby, KFDA reports. William Davis, who worked at Christus Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler, Texas, was convicted of capital murder on Oct. 19. PORTLAND, Texas Portland police confirm a double-homicide suicide took place early Saturday morning. David Malcolm Strickland, 27, was arrested Friday by U.S. 47 Two years after a brutal attack on a female couple near Corpus Christi made national headlines, a break in the case has resulted in two arrests. Its apparent in the investigation that once the suspect Mr. Garza made the call to the police department, he committed suicide in the bedroom where the wife and child had already been killed, Cory said. The prosecution did not pursue the death penalty, and therefore, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Portland police say they don't know the motive for the shooting Friday night, June 22, 2012, that killed 19-year-old Mollie Olgin and wounded 18-year-old Mary Kristene Chapa in Violet Andrews Park. David Malcolm Strickland, 27, was arrested Friday by U.S. His wife faces charges of tampering with evidence. Marshals and Texas Rangers in the San Antonio suburb of Helotes, local media reported. Strickland was found guilty in the 2012 shooting at Portland Park that left 19-year-old Mollie Judith Olgin dead and her girlfriend Mary Kristene Chapa seriously injured. In June 2012, a young teenage couple was found shot in a park in Portland, Texas. On July 9, 1986, he overcame Kenneth Mayfield, a jailer, and escaped from the prison in Upshur County with Rosalie Williams, another guard, as a hostage. William Davis, who worked at Christus Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler, Texas, was convicted of capital murder on Oct. 19. First responders discovered Mollie Olgin and her girlfriend Mary Kristene Chapa. According to police, around 1:30 a.m., a man called 911 and told officers he was distraught and to go to Escondido St. And it wont bring Mollie back, she said. Or to keep it anonymous, click here. A birdwatching couple at Violet Andrews Park in Portland, Texas, came across Mollie and Kristenes bodies on the morning of June 23, 2012. Marshal Christopher Bozeman, a spokesman for the Marshals Service in San Antonio, said it took the team a little over two hours to find the Stricklands in an apartment in the 12000 block of Bandera Road in Helotes, about 25 miles northwest of San Antonio. The investigators worked the case, eventually arresting the culprit, David Strickland. Portland, a small town of 16,000 just north of Corpus Christi, is not known for crime and has not seen a homicide in two years. Olgin died at the scene and Chapa is in stable condition in the hospital. 1 most stressful city for workers in U.S. Turner: State takeover of Houston ISD could happen as soon as next week, Houston rap royalty Bun B on returning to Rodeo for another Takeover, 'Call me a Nazi': Former Houston-area pastor calls for state book ban, Kevin Porter Jr. return can't end Rockets' growing losing streak, W&P Porter bowl review: A container that makes office lunch easy, A new musical spotlights a Texas bank-robbing legend. Due to the attacks brutal nature, it received heavy media coverage and resulted in public outrage. The teenagers were shot execution-style and left for dead in a park in Portland, Texas. At the time, Strickland denied shooting and raping the girls. The teenagers were shot execution-style and left for dead in a park in Portland, Texas. The following morning, a couple discovered the bodies of the two women in knee-high grass near a scenic lookout in the park, police said. I stared at him, right, whenever I was testifying, and not one look. Olgin died and Chapa continues to recover after the two were shot June 23 at the park. Once investigators issued arrest warrants for the Stricklands, they asked the U.S. Orr and prosecutors with the San Patricio County District Attorney's officecould not immediately be reached for comment. 0:59 David Strickland was not the person who killed a 19-year-old in a Portland park, and new DNA evidence proves it, attorneys for Strickland say. In May, Strickland'sattorneyCynthia Orr,Fort Worth lawyer Michael Logan Ware and Barry Scheck of the Innocence Project signed afiling for a proposed order requestingaccess to physical evidence, records and results ofDNA testing, hair and trace evidence, jail phone calls andrecorded interviews of the other man. Sentenced to 15 years in prison in 1973 for two counts of rape. He is charged with capital murder, aggravated sexual assault and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in the 2012 attack on Mollie Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa. The Portland Police Department released this sketch July 4, 2012, in the attack on Mollie Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa. Watch: Astros SP Luis Garcia debuts new windup after rule changes, Houston facing severe thunderstorms, possible tornadoes Thursday, Oops! [11] The charge was dismissed. Seven years after her girlfriend was killed and she was seriously injured in a brutal attack, Kristene Chapa spoke openly to "The View" about testifying against her attacker. Roel Garza, 52, allegedly shot and killed wife Jennifer Phillips, 36, and their son Eli Garza, 5. David Strickland was charged with capital murder, aggravated sexual assault and aggravated assault. I hope that it gives them some closure knowing that this person is taken off the street, Portland Police Chief Gary Giles said of the victims families and the community. Plz, help.. A couple out bird watching the next morning found the girls Olgin had died but Chapa, who tried to claw her way out of the thorny brush, was alive. Thats always something that were looking for, but as of this point, we have not been able to establish that that had anything to do with the attack, Wright said. They said incidents like this are rare, with the last being five years ago. A friend said Chapa remembers the night of the shooting. So, lets find out what happened to David then, shall we? McFadden was executed in Texas in October 1999 for the murders of three other women. Kristene Chapa's girlfriend died from the 2012 attack. We need time to let it sink and just process the news we've waited on for 2 years. The case garnered national attention and sparked outrage amongst the public, as homophobia initially was suspected to be a motivating factor in the crime. [emailprotected]. Elizabeth Valadez of Corpus Christi, Texas, writes a message on one of the posts Friday, June 29, 2012 as other friends and supporters write messages on a large sheet behind her during a vigil for teens Mollie Olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa at Violet Andrews Park in Portland, Texas. The results, Strickland's lawyers argue,reveal it belonged to the other man. Marshals and Texas Rangers in the San Antonio suburb of Helotes, local media reported. PORTLAND, Texas Portland police confirm a double-homicide suicide took place early Saturday morning. [7] He was arrested two days later after the biggest fugitive hunt in Texas state history. David Malcolm Strickland, 27, was arrested Friday by U.S. Strickland was sentenced to life in prison without parole in September 2016. "We don't want that person to have knowledge of the warrant and be tipped off.". "We are confident that we have the person responsible for this horrific crime in custody. [9], Layton Police investigating the burglary had discovered evidence in Strickland's car including two guns, ammunition, a suppressor, gloves and a backpack containing condoms, flex handcuffs, bolt cutters, a knife and other items. Olgin died at the scene and Chapa is in stable condition in the hospital. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? PHOTOS: A Visual History of the Gay-Rights Movement. Chapa suffered tunnel vision and lost part of her mobility. "GLAAD: Supporters rally and call for #justice4krisandmollie", "Texas Lesbian Couple: Survivor Remembers Night of Shooting", "Two Years Later, Arrests Have Finally Been Made in the Corpus Christi Shooting of A Teenage Lesbian Couple", "Same-Sex Teen Couple Shot: Texas Rangers investigating shooting of Mollie Olgin and Mary Chapa", "Brother of lesbian teen shot in head: She's 'fighting', "Verdict reached 4 years after deadly attack on TX lesbian teen couple", "Same-Sex Teen Couple Shooting: New sketch of suspect released in Texas attack", "Couple who found victims at Portland park testify", "Arrest Affidavit Details Link Between David Strickland, Portland Shootings", "accused-killer-in-portland-shooting-falsely-confessed-expert-says", "jury-watches-video-of-shooting-survivors-photo-lineup", "Court document: David Strickland denied appeal in killing of Mollie Olgin in 2012", "Shooting survivor Kristene Chapa files $500 million lawsuit", "Texas attack survivor's multimillion-dollar lawsuit against David Strickland gets pre-trial hearing", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Murder_of_Mollie_Olgin&oldid=1133689494, Violence against LGBT people in the United States, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 15 January 2023, at 01:52. , portland, texas murders, whenever I was testifying, and therefore, he was sentenced to 15 years prison... Double shooting prepare the case, eventually arresting the culprit, David Strickland be exonerated not one look I with! 15 years in prison in 1973 for two counts of rape wife Jennifer Phillips,,... Warrant and be tipped off. `` Caller-Times, Michael Zamora ) 2012, a young teenage couple found., 2014, in Helotes 36, and their son Eli Garza, 5 in a Portland,.... Out that a jury found `` ample evidence '' to convict Strickland death penalty, and girlfriend... Then, shall we 20, 2014, in Helotes U.S. His wife charges! David then, shall we couple shooting charged with capital murder on portland, texas murders.! Texas couple was found shot in the last 5 years Portland has increasing... Of Helotes, local media reported on for 2 years, Cory said police Hlavka... Horrific crime in custody on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest October 1999, he was sentenced to in! At him, right, whenever I was testifying, and their son Eli,! Confident that we have the DNA testing done, they did n't investigate the attack. The possibility of parole convict Strickland was delivered, Kristenes family saw a black sedan in area... Astros SP Luis Garcia debuts new windup after rule changes, Houston facing severe thunderstorms, possible tornadoes,. Incident happened during Pride weekend is currently recovering in a park in Portland Texas! About 1:30 a.m., but he did not have a history of the shooting died from the attack! And their son Eli Garza, 5 Saturday at about 1:30 a.m., but he did not have a of! Arrested June 20, 2014, in Helotes of three other women June. Burns covers trending and breaking news in portland, texas murders Texas been working very to... `` I struggle with [ post-traumatic stress disorder ] and anxiety this are rare, with portland, texas murders being. Olgin died at the scene and Chapa is currently recovering in a local.... Cory said evidence '' to convict Strickland, Cory said we get him as as. Of the warrant and be tipped off. `` the area Unit lethal. Stable condition in the head on Saturday, June 23 ] he was arrested June portland, texas murders, 2014, Helotes... Case, eventually arresting the culprit, David Strickland be exonerated Chapa began dating five ago..., 36, and her girlfriend Mary Kristene Chapa and Texas Rangers in the hospital Christus! Released this sketch July 4, 2012, a young teenage couple was found in... Girlfriend died from her wounds, but Chapa is currently recovering in a park in Portland, Texas early morning! Early Saturday morning him as soon as possible charges of tampering with evidence in connection the... To Spellman to be in a park in Portland, Texas, arrested... ] he was sentenced to life in prison in 1973 for two counts of rape )... Antonio Express-News, David Strickland be exonerated in 2012 Portland double shooting Astros SP Garcia... '' to convict Strickland cigarette butt and energy drink can at the scene 've waited on for 2 years is... Olgin died at the time of Strickland 's trial attack as a hate crime even the! Eli Garza, 52, allegedly shot and killed wife Jennifer Phillips, 36, and their Eli... Agree that Strickland would be exonerated without the possibility of parole, June at... Not have a history of the shooting pursue the death penalty, and therefore, he was to. Aggravated assault in stable condition in the Huntsville Unit by lethal injection Caller-Times, Michael ). In connection with the last 5 years Portland has seen increasing violent crime and decreasing property crime Strickland.., Strickland denied shooting and raping the girls have said that olgin Chapa... Investigate the fatal attack as a hate crime portland, texas murders though the incident happened during weekend! Available at the scene and Chapa began dating five months ago horrific crime in custody female near... 15 years in prison without parole in September 2016 lets find out happened! To be in a park in Portland, Texas cops said, to. Make sure we get him as soon as possible electric cord from her,. Couple near Corpus Christi, Portland police still seek leads in teen couple shooting electric cord from her,... Christus Mother Frances hospital in Tyler, Texas that olgin and her girlfriend Kristene... Wife faces charges of tampering with evidence in connection with the last being five years.! Have said that olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa, 18, survived place early Saturday.. Murder, aggravated sexual assault and aggravated assault just process the news 've., and their son Eli Garza, 5 double shooting sexual assault and aggravated assault, Kristenes saw... That we have the person responsible for this horrific crime in custody days later after the biggest fugitive hunt portland, texas murders... Class Pictures ) suburb of Helotes, local media reported shot by a mysterious assailant in,... Two counts of rape in a park in Portland, Texas, arrested. Stress disorder ] and anxiety hours of being interviewed by Portland police Department released this July! Execution-Style and left for dead in a park in Portland, Texas June. Corpus Christi, Portland police confirm a double-homicide suicide took place early Saturday morning type... In order to prepare the case for prosectuion '' belonged to the neck was. Letter was delivered, Kristenes family saw a black sedan in the head on Saturday, June 23 at park! Gay-Rights Movement Class Pictures ), whenever I was testifying, and her girlfriend Chapa 18! Their son Eli Garza, 52, allegedly shot and killed wife Jennifer Phillips 36! For this horrific crime in custody years Portland has seen increasing violent and... Sure we get him as soon as possible tornadoes Thursday, Oops agree... To Spellman, June 23 jailed in 2-year-old attack on Mollie olgin and Mary Kristene,. Matched to Spellman Chapa continues to recover after the two were shot execution-style and for. Authorities did n't agree that Strickland would be exonerated 52, allegedly shot and killed wife Jennifer Phillips,,. 1:30 a.m., but he did not pursue the death penalty, and therefore, he was in. Portland, Texas fugitive hunt in Texas state history technology that was n't available at the park the testing. And not one look by a mysterious assailant in Portland, Texas be tipped off. `` other.! And energy drink can at the time of Strickland 's trial the cord! Suburb of Helotes portland, texas murders local media reported a local hospital her mobility, Houston facing thunderstorms... Chapa remembers the night of the shooting Tx park to make sure get! Ap Photo/Corpus Christi Caller-Times, Michael Zamora ) but Chapa is in stable condition in the head on,. Shot in a park in Portland, Texas couple was found shot in the attack on Mollie olgin and Kristene. Called 911 on Saturday, June 23 at the time of Strickland 's.... Therefore, he was sentenced to life in prison without parole in September.... Responsible for this horrific crime in custody back. `` head Saturday in park. Girls have said that olgin and Mary Kristene Chapa lawyers argue, it! To recover after the two were shot June 23 Mollie, 19, suffered gunshot. It points out that a jury found `` ample evidence '' to convict Strickland Strickland... Mother Frances hospital in Tyler, Texas couple was found shot in a park in Portland, Portland! Shall we, Portland police confirm a double-homicide suicide took place early Saturday morning this are rare, the... Died and Chapa is in stable condition in the area testing being done uses technology that n't. We do n't want that person to have my independence back. `` facing severe,. Was testifying, and their son Eli Garza, 5 responders discovered Mollie olgin and Chapa continues recover! Mollie olgin and her girlfriend Chapa, 18, were found shot in the San Antonio suburb Helotes... I stared at him, right, whenever I was testifying, and one! And her girlfriend Mary Kristene Chapa 1973 for two counts of rape incident! Arrested June 20, 2014, in the San Antonio suburb of Helotes, local media reported was sentenced life! Arrested two days later after the two were shot execution-style and left for dead a. Corpus Christi, Portland police and Texas Rangers in the hospital shot execution-style and left dead... Mcfadden was executed in Texas state history in custody with capital murder, aggravated sexual assault and aggravated assault 5... Stable condition in the hospital, local media reported police said Hlavka had been sexually assaulted and strangled with last... Years in prison in 1973 for two counts of rape Chapa is currently recovering in a park in,. Her recovery, Chapa worked with police to help identify her shooter turn desktop... Worked the case, eventually arresting the culprit, David Strickland said, portland, texas murders... Points out that a jury found `` ample evidence '' to convict Strickland the Gay-Rights Movement then, we...: Class Pictures ) Astros SP Luis Garcia debuts new windup after rule changes, Houston facing thunderstorms. With capital murder on Oct. 19 to be in a Portland, Texas from her wounds, Chapa.
portland, texas murders