Cold Case Files: "A Killer Slips Away" – Detailed Summary

Released on July 1, 2025, "A Killer Slips Away" delves into the harrowing 1987 murder of Anna Mae Florence in Columbus, Ohio. Hosted by Paula Barros, this episode meticulously unpacks the complexities of a case that remained unsolved for 27 years before a breakthrough finally brought justice to Anna Mae's family.

Introduction

The episode opens with a stark statistic: "There are 120,000 unsolved murder cases in America. Each one is called a cold case and only 1% are ever solved." This sets the stage for the poignant story of Anna Mae Florence, whose case became one of the rare 1% eventually resolved.

“There are 120,000 unsolved murder cases in America. Each one is called a cold case and only 1% are ever solved.” – Marissa Pinson [01:12]

The Crime Scene: June 26, 1987

On a quiet Sunday morning, Anna Mae Florence was preparing for a day of shopping with her family in Columbus, Ohio. An unexpected visitor led to a violent confrontation that resulted in Anna Mae’s tragic death.

“Early that morning, Anna Mae Florence was waiting for her sister and brother-in-law to pick her up. They were going to go for a day of shopping.” – Jim McCoskey [02:18]

The altercation escalated quickly:

“She had a cord around her neck. She's been stabbed. She's been beaten. She's been murdered.” – Ralph Taylor [03:13-03:35]

Initial Investigation and Clues

Detectives Jim McCoskey and Ralph Taylor were the original investigators on the case. The primary clue was a partial bloody fingerprint left at the scene.

“Out of all the evidence that they collected in that place, the real evidence was a single bloody print.” – Ralph Taylor [04:26]

Despite canvassing the neighborhood and interviewing potential suspects, the investigation stalled due to the lack of concrete evidence and half-hearted leads.

“If people do not talk to the police, your chances of solving crimes are basically shot.” – Kathy Justice [09:39]

The Family's Struggle and Pursuit of Justice

Becky Robertson, Anna Mae’s niece, was deeply affected by the unresolved case. Her father’s relentless pursuit for answers took a toll on him, ultimately leading to his passing.

“My dad just couldn't handle that. He was angry. Every week, he was calling a detective, find that girl who killed my sister.” – Becky Robertson [10:00]

Determined to honor her father’s dying wish, Becky took it upon herself to reopen the case, leading to renewed hope.

“I knew that I had to do it.” – Becky Robertson [10:35]

Reopening the Case: New Detectives Take Charge

In 2012, Detective Kathy Justice and Ralph Taylor reignited the investigation. They revisited old evidence with fresh eyes and modern forensic technology.

“The evidence may be old, the people may be older, but to us, it's new. It's just happened.” – Ralph Taylor [11:29]

Jim McCoskey emphasized the importance of finding a new angle:

“I wanted to look back into evidence, witnesses, prints in the crime scene, try to find anything missed in the original investigation.” – Jim McCoskey [11:50]

Breakthrough: The Mayonnaise Jar Fingerprint

A pivotal moment occurred when the team discovered a fingerprint on a mayonnaise jar, previously overlooked due to its placement in the crime scene.

“After 25 years in storage, she found a print on this mayonnaise jar. And she says, this is a good print.” – Jim McCoskey [20:20]

This discovery led them to re-examine previous suspects, including Danita Campbell. However, the prints did not match, sending the investigation back to square one.

“The prints did not match. We're back to square one.” – Jim McCoskey [22:34]

Confronting the Informant: Unraveling the Truth

The detectives revisited the original informant, Odell, only to uncover that he was actually his cousin, Chris. This revelation was crucial in steering the investigation toward the real perpetrator.

“He posed as Odell because he wanted somebody arrested for that homicide. … He just didn't want Zena.” – Jim McCoskey [27:04]

Chris eventually revealed that Zena Roberson was the true suspect, a revelation that had remained hidden for over two decades.

“Zena was the last suspect that we had to go on. This is my last chance.” – Jim McCoskey [31:53]

The Arrest and Trial of Zena Roberson

With the fingerprints matching and corroborated by new evidence, Zena Roberson was apprehended in Georgia. Her subsequent trial culminated in a conviction, bringing much-needed closure to Anna Mae’s family.

“Zena Roberson was sentenced to 15 years to life for the murder of Anna Mae Florence.” – Marissa Pinson [37:01]

Becky Robertson expressed her gratitude and relief:

“We love them and we appreciate everything they did for us.” – Becky Robertson [38:04]

Conclusion: Closure Achieved

The resolution of Anna Mae Florence’s case underscores the relentless pursuit of justice by dedicated detectives and the unwavering determination of a grieving family. As Ralph Taylor poignantly stated, “We know that Zena was in that house. … We got her. Zena.” [32:35]

“That was the first time I really started feeling peace. I felt that her spirit now can rest.” – Ralph Taylor [38:23]

Key Takeaways:

• Persistence Pays Off: Despite initial setbacks and decades passing, unwavering dedication can lead to resolution in even the coldest cases.

• Technological Advancements: Modern forensic techniques, such as super glue fuming for latent fingerprints, are instrumental in solving longstanding mysteries.

• Family Determination: The Robertson family's relentless pursuit for justice played a pivotal role in reopening and eventually solving the case.

• Importance of Accurate Information: Misidentifications and false leads can derail investigations, highlighting the necessity for meticulous verification.

A Killer Slips Away serves as a testament to the enduring hope and the profound impact that solving a cold case can have on a family's quest for closure. Through diligent investigation and the courage to revisit past evidences, justice for Anna Mae Florence was finally realized.