Cold Case Files: "A Dawn to Remember" – Detailed Summary
Introduction
"A Dawn to Remember," an episode of Cold Case Files hosted by Paula Barros, delves into the haunting unsolved murder of Dawn Ellen Koons. Released on July 29, 2025, this episode meticulously explores the complexities of a case that remained cold for decades before a breakthrough led to justice. Through interviews, archival footage, and expert analysis, the episode paints a comprehensive picture of Dawn's life, her tragic demise, and the relentless pursuit of truth by her family and law enforcement.
Dawn Koons: Life and Relationships
Dawn Ellen Koons was an 18-year-old vibrant young woman from Yonkers, New York, known for her charm, beauty, and ambition. She was deeply connected with her family, particularly her brother, David Koons. In his own words, David reflects on their close-knit relationship:
"We were good companions and we played games and imagined and enjoyed a very close-knit family life. We each had a bike and we always enjoyed bike riding. We would go to the museum or to concerts."
– David Koons (01:31)
Dawn excelled academically but yearned for greater opportunities, leading her to pursue modeling and a potential career in show business. Despite her popularity and numerous suitors, she maintained an on-again, off-again relationship with Steve Shirl, a blue-collar young man she met in high school. David and their brother Leland found this relationship puzzling:
"Both my brother and I were puzzled by the attraction. We didn't see what she was seeing."
– David Koons (01:31)
The Crime: Discovery of Dawn's Body
On January 16, 1979, in California's southern San Joaquin Valley, police sergeant Brad Rourke received a frantic call about a missing female resident. Upon arrival at apartment 46, the grim discovery was made:
"In the bathtub is the body of a woman. It quickly becomes obvious she had not died from natural causes."
– Marissa Pinson (03:18)
Dawn was found face up, her hands bound with telephone cords, a brown pillowcase over her head, and evidence of sexual assault. The initial investigation revealed:
- No signs of forced entry.
- A possibly strained relationship with her ex-boyfriend, Steve Shirl.
- The presence of semen stains on the sheets, suggestive of an assault.
Initial Investigation: Suspects and Leads
Early investigations pointed towards individuals within Dawn's immediate circle. A crucial piece of evidence was a note found on Dawn's door:
"Dawn, give me a call and let me know what you're up to. I can't seem to track you down. You're never home, Diane."
– Brad Rourke (08:19)
Diane, a close friend and coworker, was the last known person to see Dawn alive. Suspicions initially fell on Steve Shirl, Dawn's ex-boyfriend, due to their tumultuous relationship and his conflicting alibis. Steve's statements during interviews were designed to divert attention:
"Steve also tries pointing detectives in another direction."
– Marissa Pinson (11:41)
Despite Steve providing an alibi by claiming to be at a party and camping with his girlfriend, inconsistencies emerged over the years, keeping him a person of interest.
Cold Case Period: Decades of Uncertainty
Over the next three decades, the murder of Dawn Koons remained unsolved. The lack of advanced forensic technology hindered progress, and the case faded into obscurity. David Koons shares the profound personal impact:
"This whole situation had a negative impact on my parents' marriage. ... I don't really think she had anything to hope for at that point. I got to the point personally where I thought, is it ever going to be solved?"
– David Koons (23:15)
Reopened Investigation: Hope Through Technology
In 2011, prompted by renewed family interest, investigators revisited the case. They discovered that a preserved rape kit from Dawn's autopsy could now be analyzed using modern DNA technology. Unfortunately, the initial attempts yielded only degraded samples:
"The quantity of that sample was too low to upload into the CODIS database to yield results."
– Gina Pearl (25:56)
However, a pivotal discovery in 2015 revealed additional slides from the rape kit, providing a viable DNA profile for comparison.
Discovery and Arrest of Prentice Foreman
The new DNA evidence led investigators to Prentice Foreman, a neighbor living in apartment 50. Foreman's initial interview in 1979 revealed inconsistencies:
"He said he was with friends that night. I saw that his alibi, Latonya, had never been interviewed."
– Prentice Foreman (32:29)
A warrant was issued, and Foreman was arrested after his DNA was compared against the evidence, ultimately proving that he was not the source of the semen found on Dawn. Despite passing a polygraph test, discrepancies in his statements raised suspicions.
Trial and Conviction
In 2019, after extensive investigations and DNA confirmation, Prentice Foreman was charged and stood trial. The prosecution presented a compelling case:
"I believe Mr. Foreman entered the apartment and Dawn was already in her bedroom, either asleep or going to sleep. The attack definitely happened in the bedroom."
– Gina Pearl (39:04)
After seventeen months of deliberation, the jury found Foreman guilty of Dawn Koons' murder:
"When they did read the verdict, I looked at Prentice and he was obviously, I guess you could say stunned and in disbelief."
– Prentice Foreman (40:55)
Foreman was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison, bringing a sense of closure to Dawn's grieving family.
Impact and Closure
The resolution of Dawn Koons' case, nearly four decades after her untimely death, underscores the advancements in forensic science and the enduring pursuit of justice. David Koons reflects on the outcome:
"I'm still missing something. Dawn was definitely unique and special. I'm still grief-stricken that my sister was taken from me, that I've been denied the opportunity to see her develop, to succeed."
– David Koons (41:41)
Gina Pearl, the supervising deputy DA for Kern County, emphasizes the importance of closure:
"To somewhat bring some closure to the family when they've been searching for answers for so long is why I do my job."
– Gina Pearl (29:12)
Conclusion
"A Dawn to Remember" not only recounts a tragic cold case but also highlights the resilience of a family and the relentless efforts of law enforcement to seek justice. Through breakthroughs in technology and unwavering dedication, Dawn Koons' story serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring quest to solve cold cases and provide closure to those left behind.