Cold Case Files: Deja Vu / Secret in the Well

Hosted by Paula Barros | Released on August 5, 2025

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Cold Case Files, Paula Barros delves into two haunting cold cases that stymied investigators for years before breakthroughs in forensic technology and dogged detective work brought justice. The episode, titled "Deja Vu / Secret in the Well," explores the chilling murders in Arlington, Texas, and the mysterious disappearance of Fred Wilkerson in LaGrange, Georgia. Through detailed accounts, interviews, and poignant reflections, Barros highlights the relentless pursuit of truth by law enforcement professionals.

Case 1: The Bathtub Killer of Arlington, Texas

The Initial Murder

On September 17, 1996, Arlington detective Ed Featherston responded to a homicide call at the Pear Tree Plumtree Apartments. Inside apartment 816, 25-year-old schoolteacher Christine Vu was found dead, face down in the bathtub, bound with duct tape, and strangled. The scene immediately raised red flags for Featherston due to the absence of forced entry and signs of sexual assault.

Ed Featherston [02:43]: "In cases like this, quite often it turns out to be a domestic related homicide as opposed to a stranger."

Suspect Identification and Release

Christine's live-in boyfriend, Tang Chi Ku, was the initial suspect. Despite Koo's cooperation and DNA evidence that did not match him, lingering doubts persisted due to a single unknown fingerprint found at the scene.

Ed Featherston [06:03]: "That latent print did not match her boyfriend, her, or any of the officers, medical staff, or investigators at the scene."

As a result, Tang Koo was released, but the killer remained at large. Just three months later, on December 24, 1996, Brenda Norwood's niece, Wendy Prescott, was found similarly murdered in the same apartment complex. The similarity between the two crime scenes suggested the work of a serial killer.

Ed Featherston [07:46]: "Once I got into the scene and once I looked around, I then immediately recognized that this was identical to the Christine Vu murder. Deja vu was the word."

The Investigation Intensifies

Detectives Featherston and Tommy Lenore faced the daunting task of identifying the elusive "Bathtub Killer." Despite numerous DNA samples and extensive investigations, the perpetrator remained unidentified for years. It wasn't until advancements in forensic technology provided new leads.

Ed Featherston [10:10]: "Now, there's an individual that's not only hit twice, but hit twice within three months. And so not only are we burdened with finding this person, but now we have to protect our community."

Breakthrough and Arrest

In 2003, a breakthrough occurred when a latent fingerprint from Wendy Prescott's TV stand was matched to Dale Devon Chanette through the FBI's IAFIS system. Further DNA testing confirmed his involvement in multiple murders and rapes.

Ed Featherston [23:34]: "There's a scar, big as daylight. That right index on the print card that we can see in the latent print. I'm like, I don't believe this. We've got him in both apartments."

Chanette was arrested, convicted of capital murder, and sentenced to death by lethal injection. His execution took place on February 10, 2009.

Ed Featherston [25:15]: "I would describe Dale Chinette as a predator, quite frankly, one of the worst I've seen in all the years I've been in this business."

Reflections on Justice

Detective Featherston expressed a mix of satisfaction and lingering sorrow, acknowledging that while justice was served, the pain endured by the victims' families remained.

Ed Featherston [26:35]: "Dale Chanet. Whether or not he needs to be on death row or not, I will tell you this. He doesn't need to be in society."

Case 2: The Disappearance of Fred Wilkerson in LaGrange, Georgia

The Missing Person Report

On November 27, 1987, in LaGrange, Georgia, 18-year-old Tim Wilkerson reported his father, Fred Wilkerson, missing. Fred was last seen two days prior, having a dispute with his ex-girlfriend, Connie Quedence, over a shared property.

Ed Featherston [27:33]: "I knew something was wrong, you know, immediately when I got inside and saw there was no note or anything."

Initial Investigation and Suspicions

Despite thorough searches, including interrogations of Connie Quedence, no evidence pointed definitively to her involvement. Over the years, Fred's disappearance became a local legend, with scant leads to follow.

Ed Featherston [32:19]: "We always had to leave that little door open, but. But no, no, we knew he was not that type of guy."

A Decade Later: Renewed Interest and Breakthrough

Seven years later, in 1995, new evidence surfaced when a crew began filling an old abandoned well on Connie's property. Local rumors suggested Fred's body was buried there. In 1995, Fred's car was discovered at the Atlanta airport, reigniting the investigation.

Ed Featherston [35:16]: "So when we set the schedule up, we scheduled everything. Polygraph. She did a no show."

Crucial Testimony and Discovery

A key witness, Lisa Holderman, came forward eight years after Fred's disappearance, recalling a drive with Connie to the airport where Fred's car was left unclaimed. This testimony provided the necessary link to implicate Connie Quedence.

Ed Featherston [42:05]: "She just asked me to come up and pick her up at the terminals and she'd be out there waiting for me."

Subsequent excavation of the well revealed Fred Wilkerson's remains, wrapped in carpet and accompanied by personal items that confirmed his identity. Connie was arrested and stood trial in 2004.

Ed Featherston [45:16]: "We think we found human remains."

Conviction and Aftermath

Connie Quedence was found guilty of Fred's murder and sentenced to life imprisonment, eligible for parole after seven years under Georgia law. Despite the sentence, her continuous incarceration was deemed unlikely due to the severity of her crimes.

Ed Featherston [47:55]: "Connie Quedens is still serving her life sentence. And the end to this case not only brings a killer to justice but brings a father home."

Final Reflections

Detective Ed Featherston emphasized the emotional toll of the cases, recognizing both the closure achieved and the enduring pain of the victims' families.

Ed Featherston [48:52]: "God has a plan for everything. There's no other way to describe except divine intervention."

Conclusion

"Deja Vu / Secret in the Well" underscores the intricate and often frustrating journey of solving cold cases. Through persistent investigation and evolving forensic techniques, justice was ultimately served in both Arlington and LaGrange. Detectives Featherston and Lenore exemplify the dedication required to bring closure to long-unsolved mysteries, offering solace to families haunted by unanswered questions.

Stay tuned for more compelling stories on Cold Case Files, where Paula Barros brings to light the darkest corners of unsolved crimes and the heroes who strive to illuminate the truth.