Cold Case Files: REOPENED - Caught By The Past
Released July 31, 2025 | Host: Brooke Giddings | Produced by A&E / PodcastOne
Introduction
In the gripping episode titled "Reopened: Caught By The Past," host Brooke Giddings delves into the harrowing 1986 murder of Clydine Dallas, a dedicated receptionist at WSBTV in Atlanta. This case, which remained unsolved for nearly two decades, underscores the relentless pursuit of justice by law enforcement and the transformative power of forensic advancements.
The Crime
Victim Background
Clydine Dallas was a 37-year-old receptionist at WSBTV in Atlanta, known for her organization and punctuality. She had spent most of her life in Atlanta, raising her daughter with the support of her family. Unlike many victims whose lives are overshadowed by their deaths, Clydine was remembered fondly by her family, who took the time to celebrate her life.
Disappearance and Murder
On October 3, 1986, Clydine failed to report to work, marking the last time she was seen alive. Concerned by her absence, her daughter, Tasha Dallas, visited her home, only to discover a scene of devastation. "When I walked in, I was like, this is not right. Like, stuff turned over, paper everywhere, things on the floor," Tasha recalls (00:38).
Tragically, Clydine was found dead in her bedroom, "hanging over her bed naked, hands bound behind her back and her own bedsheets cinched around her neck" (03:01). Forensic analysis later confirmed she had been sexually assaulted (03:44).
Initial Investigation
Discovery and Crime Scene
Detective Gary Lovett was promptly assigned to the case. He emphasized a methodical approach: "You start naturally at the victim's body. That's how you work a homicide. You start at point Z at ground zero and you work out from there" (03:32).
Key evidence included a slightly ajar window, with a stereo and furniture obstructing the entry point, indicating a possible break-in. Multiple unknown fingerprints were recovered from the window (04:22).
Media Coverage
The case garnered immediate media attention, with WSBTV reporter Mark Winnie covering the story. Upon arriving at the crime scene, Winnie was emotionally affected, "stunned to see my own face staring back at me" among the photographs of his colleagues displayed in Clydine's apartment (04:36).
Initial Leads and Challenges
Despite initial efforts, including tracking the stolen 1978 Chevrolet Monte Carlo—Clydine's missing vehicle—leads quickly went cold. Detective Lovett noted the frustration of not closing the case: "When I cannot walk that last mile to a conclusion for her, it becomes frustrating" (07:37).
The Case Goes Cold
As months passed without progress, the Dallas family grappled with uncertainty. Tasha Dallas expressed the emotional toll, "Would someone just tell us something? It just got to the point you said, will it ever happen?" (08:16).
The case joined hundreds of others in the Fulton County archives, waiting for new developments or breakthroughs in technology (08:34).
Reopening the Case
Formation of the Cold Case Squad
In February 2004, recognizing the backlog of unsolved cases, Fulton County established a dedicated Cold Case Squad. Detective Vince Velazquez highlighted the scope: "We identified upwards of 1200 cases... just a few dozen families looking for closure" (09:01).
Focus on DNA Evidence
The squad prioritized cases with potential DNA evidence, particularly those involving sexual assaults. Clydine Dallas's case was selected for its available rape kit, offering new investigative avenues (09:34).
Breakthrough with DNA Technology
On December 1, 2004, Lisa Hobgood processed Clydine's DNA, which was entered into CODIS (Combined DNA Index System). The results were astonishing: "It only takes two or three minutes to get the results back... the frequency of someone having the exact same information at all 13 areas is well over 1 in 10 billion" (10:06).
This led to a match with Richard Hembrick, a convicted offender recently released from prison, whose modus operandi aligned with Clydine’s murder—breaking in through a window (10:29).
Arrest and Trial
Identifying and Apprehending the Suspect
Richard Hembrick became the prime suspect after his DNA matched the evidence. Detective Velasquez recounted the arrest: "Rich, you know what today is? Today is your past catching up with you" (11:35). Hembrick initially lied about his identity, claiming to be his brother, Leon, but eventually confessed when confronted with undeniable evidence.
Interrogation Tactics
Detectives employed strategic questioning, pressing Hembrick on his relationship with Clydine, whom he falsely identified as the "candy lady." Despite his claims of a consensual relationship, Hembrick failed to provide credible details, weakening his defense (16:01).
Trial and Conviction
Prosecutor Sheila Ross and Detective Lovett presented overwhelming DNA evidence linking Hembrick to the crime. Hembrick maintained his innocence, but the forensic and testimonial evidence was irrefutable. After seven days of trial, the jury found Hembrick guilty of murder (20:43).
Aftermath
Impact on the Dallas Family
Tasha Dallas expressed a bittersweet sense of closure: "It helps me, but it doesn't bring her back. But it makes it a little easier to get along with your life a little better knowing that someone's called," acknowledging the lingering pain despite the justice served (20:53).
Law Enforcement Reflections
Detective Velasquez highlighted the ongoing challenges: "It's non-stop... we've identified over a thousand cases... we've got a lot of work to do" (21:27). While Hembrick's conviction was a victory, numerous other cold cases awaited resolution.
Legacy of the Case
The episode underscores the importance of perseverance in cold case investigations and the pivotal role of DNA technology in solving decades-old crimes. It serves as a testament to the families seeking answers and the detectives committed to uncovering the truth.
Conclusion
"Reopened: Caught By The Past" is a poignant exploration of resilience, both from the Dallas family's perspective and the dedicated investigators who refused to let Clydine Dallas's murder remain unsolved. This case exemplifies how advancements in forensic science can bring justice long after a crime has been committed, offering a semblance of closure to those left behind.
Notable Quotes:
- Tasha Dallas: "At first it didn't seem real. I was just in shock, just couldn't believe what I was seeing." (03:12)
- Detective Gary Lovett: "You start naturally at the victim's body. That's how you work a homicide. You start at point Z at ground zero and you work out from there." (03:32)
- Mark Winnie: "When you see something like that after somebody has died, you're flooded with a lot of emotions." (04:36)
- Detective Gary Lovett: "What y'all want me to say? I want the truth, Richard. I don't want you to tell me anything but the truth." (17:15)
- Tasha Dallas: "It helps me, but it doesn't bring her back. But it makes it a little easier to get along with your life a little better." (20:53)
This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the "Reopened: Caught By The Past" episode of Cold Case Files, detailing the tragic events, the painstaking investigation, and the eventual triumph of justice.