American Homicide
Episode: S1:E25 – The South Louisiana Serial Killer, Part 2
Release Date: April 10, 2025

Introduction

In this gripping second part of the South Louisiana Serial Killer saga, journalist Sloane Glass delves deeper into the harrowing case that terrorized Baton Rouge and its surrounding areas in the early 2000s. This episode unpacks the intricate investigation, the challenges faced by law enforcement, and the ultimate pursuit of justice against Derek Todd Lee.

Background of the South Louisiana Serial Killer

During the early 2000s, Baton Rouge became a hotspot of fear as women lived under the constant threat of a serial killer. Sloane Glass sets the stage by recounting the murders of Gina Wilson Green (01:09), Charlotte Murray Pace (01:11), and Pam Kinemore (01:20), highlighting the proximity of these crimes to LSU campus, which intensified the community’s anxiety.

Formation of the Task Force

Detective David McDavid (01:09) explains how the Baton Rouge Police Department, recognizing the pattern of a serial killer, established a specialized task force. Their mission was clear: identify and apprehend the elusive murderer responsible for at least five victims.

Identifying Derek Todd Lee as a Suspect

Detective McDavid details the breakthrough moment when DNA evidence connected Derek Todd Lee to the murders (04:36). Despite Lee being a black man, which conflicted with the FBI profiler’s description of a "white male with a white truck" (06:26), McDavid insisted on pursuing Lee as the prime suspect. “People look at the serial killer as a white male, and that’s where people got thrown off on this case,” McDavid states (06:43).

DNA Evidence and Investigation Challenges

The investigation faced significant hurdles due to racial profiling and limited evidence. However, the persistence of Detective McDavid and his team led to the collection of crucial DNA samples. “If we could get his DNA evidence and connect him to the crime, I knew we could get him arrested, get him off the street,” McDavid asserts (06:43).

Arrest and Nationwide Manhunt

After matching Lee’s DNA to the crime scenes, the task force attempted to apprehend him. Unfortunately, Lee evaded capture initially, prompting a nationwide manhunt. “I think the day we got his DNA, he took off,” McDavid reflects (10:05). The manhunt culminated in Lee’s arrest in Atlanta (12:21), but not before significant fear had gripped South Louisiana.

The Trial

The trial of Derek Todd Lee was marked by high stakes and intense courtroom drama. Prosecutor John Sinkfield (16:28) led the prosecution, focusing on compelling DNA evidence and the testimonies of survivors like Diane Alexander. Lee’s defense team, despite being highly experienced, struggled to counter the overwhelming evidence presented.

Key Testimonies and Evidence

Diane Alexander’s testimony was pivotal. She recounted her terrifying encounter with Lee (20:20), describing how he “pushed his way in her door and attacked her” (21:13). Her detailed account, coupled with DNA evidence found on the victim, solidified the prosecution’s case. John Sinkfield emphasized the uniqueness of the DNA match: “You see a woman like Charlotte Murray Pace... some men will kill her just for a few minutes of sexual gratification with her,” he explained (28:06).

Conviction and Death Sentence

After less than 80 minutes of jury deliberation, Derek Todd Lee was convicted of first-degree murder (30:43). The prosecution successfully argued for the death penalty, despite the defense’s attempts to portray Lee as mentally challenged. “What I'm about to say is not politically correct, but I'm gonna say it anyway... Derek Todd Lee did,” Sinkfield declared (29:51). The jury unanimously agreed to impose a lethal injection sentence (31:13).

Aftermath and Impact on Victims' Families

The conviction brought a sense of closure to the families, though the journey was fraught with emotional turmoil. Ann Pace, mother of victim Charlotte Murray Pace, expressed both relief and lingering pain (33:08). Melinda Delot, a journalist covering the case, highlighted the prolonged battle faced by the families: “We had spent 11 years in court, which means every time your life gets a little bit normal, you're snatched back into the nightmare,” she shared (35:19).

Derek Todd Lee’s Death

In a swift turn of events, Derek Todd Lee passed away in prison in 2016 due to heart disease (34:34). His death marked the end of a decade-long ordeal for the victims' families, who had hoped for finality and justice. Ann Pace reflected on the unresolved grief: “The end of the fight feels like a loss. Feels like I'm armored for battle, only to find you have no opponent,” she mourned (35:01).

Conclusion

This episode of American Homicide masterfully chronicles the relentless pursuit of justice against the South Louisiana Serial Killer. Through detailed interviews and compelling narratives, Sloane Glass paints a vivid picture of the fear, determination, and eventual triumph that defined this harrowing case. For those seeking to understand the complexities of such investigations and their profound impact on communities, this episode serves as a poignant and informative listen.

Notable Quotes:

• Detective David McDavid: “People look at the serial killer as a white male, and that’s where people got thrown off on this case.” (06:43)

• John Sinkfield: “What I'm about to say is not politically correct, but I'm gonna say it anyway... Derek Todd Lee did.” (29:51)

• Ann Pace: “The end of the fight feels like a loss. Feels like I'm armored for battle, only to find you have no opponent.” (35:01)

• Melinda Delot: “We had spent 11 years in court, which means every time your life gets a little bit normal, you're snatched back into the nightmare.” (35:19)

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