Crime Junkie Episode Summary: SERIAL KILLER: The Lewis-Clark Valley Murders

Podcast Information:

• Title: Crime Junkie
• Host: Ashley Flowers
• Co-Host: Britt Prawat
• Episode: SERIAL KILLER: The Lewis-Clark Valley Murders
• Release Date: July 21, 2025
• Description: In this chilling episode, Ashley Flowers delves into the mysterious and unsettling series of disappearances and murders in the Lewis-Clark Valley, uncovering potential connections to a suspected serial killer and exploring unresolved cold cases that may be intertwined with these events.

1. Introduction to the Lewis-Clark Valley Murders

Ashley Flowers opens the episode by introducing the harrowing story of a suspected serial killer known as the "Lewis-Clark Valley Killer." Unlike the notorious killers who receive extensive media coverage, this individual remains largely unknown, leaving the community in fear and authorities struggling to gather sufficient evidence.

Ashley Flowers [00:03]: "This is about someone I'd never heard of. Someone who police suspect of terrible things... he could be our neighbor."

The episode focuses on a series of disappearances and murders that occurred between August 31 and September 19, 1982, in the Lewis-Clark Valley region where Washington, Idaho, and Oregon converge—a typically quiet area that became a hotspot for fear during this period.

2. Timeline of Disappearances and Murders

Ashley outlines the sequence of events that raised alarms in the community:

• August 31, 1982: Ricky Barnett, a two-year-old boy, vanishes while visiting his grandparents' farm in Grangeville, Idaho, under mysterious circumstances as workers unload chickens.

  Ashley Flowers [00:41]: "Ricky vanished into thin air."

• September 12, 1982: Christina Nelson (21) and her stepsister Brandi Miller (18) go missing while running errands in Lewiston, Idaho. Steven Parasol (35), Christina’s boyfriend, disappears shortly after being dropped off at the local civic theater.

  Ashley Flowers [07:03]: "Christina and Brandi's cases... were connected in ways that unnerved the investigators."

• September 19, 1982: Jennifer Vincent (18) disappears between her boyfriend's dorm at Washington State University and her home in Spokane, Washington. Her body is found four days later with no apparent link to the other cases.

  Ashley Flowers [04:41]: "Jennifer's case seemed unrelated, yet it added to the valley's growing panic."

These disappearances occurred in rapid succession, creating an atmosphere of terror as the community grappled with the seemingly inexplicable losses.

3. The Investigation and Rising Suspicion

Captain M. Duane Taylor of the Lewiston Police Department expresses the unprecedented nature of these cases.

Ashley Flowers [03:00]: "... peace and illusion of safety that the valley residents used to feel is shattered."

Despite the initial stance that these cases were unrelated, certain patterns began to emerge as investigators reviewed the relationships between the victims and their last known movements.

• Connection Between Victims:
  • Steven Parasol lived near Christina Nelson, and both had ties to the local theater.
  • Christina held a part-time job as a janitor at the same theater where Steven worked.

Ashley Flowers [05:37]: "Christina and Steven went to the same college."

These overlapping connections prompted authorities to reconsider the possibility of a serial killer operating within this tight-knit community.

4. Emergence of Lance Voss as a Suspect

As Christina and Brandi’s bodies are found in March 1984, Captain Taylor and Detective Jackie Nichols begin to focus on Lance Voss, a local resident with suspicious ties to multiple cases.

• Lance Voss's Background:
  • Grew up in Chicago, moved to California, and eventually settled in the Lewis-Clark Valley.
  • Had past connections to unresolved cases, including the 1979 disappearance of Christina White and the 1981 murder of Kristen David.

Ashley Flowers [38:37]: "The unsolved murder of Diane Taylor in Chicago... Lance Voss was her YMCA camp counselor."

• Suspicious Activities:
  • In 1972, Voss was caught breaking into a mortuary with a flashlight, hunting knife, and camera, claiming he wanted to see his girlfriend.
  • In 1987, his alleged affair with Claudette Volova, another individual connected to the local theater, ended with her death ruled as a suicide, despite suspicions surrounding Voss.

Ashley Flowers [39:34]: "Her death was ruled a suicide, but connections to Lance raise questions."

These incidents, coupled with his erratic behavior and connections to multiple victims, positioned Lance Voss as a person of interest in the ongoing investigation.

5. Linking Cold Cases to the Lewis-Clark Valley Murders

Ashley discusses how Detective Nichols and community members have attempted to connect various unsolved cases to Voss:

• 1979: Christina White, a 12-year-old girl, disappears under suspicious circumstances while visiting a friend.

  Ashley Flowers [20:39]: "Detective Jackie Nichols... believes there's more to Christina's disappearance."

• 1981: Kristen David, 22, is found murdered and dismembered, with evidence pointing towards a perpetrator with knowledge of dismemberment techniques.

Ashley Flowers [47:10]: "Kristen David's case... has a significantly different MO."

• 1987: Claudette Volova's death, initially deemed a suicide, adds another layer of complexity due to her affair with Voss.

These cases, though spanning different years and involving various victims, share unsettling similarities that suggest a potential serial pattern orchestrated by Lance Voss.

6. Community Impact and Fear

The series of disappearances and murders left the Lewis-Clark Valley community in a state of fear and mistrust.

• Behavioral Changes:
  • Parents prohibit children from walking to school alone.
  • Residents lock doors at night, wary of the possible presence of a predator in their midst.

Ashley Flowers [03:00]: "They are hunted by this faceless nameless boogeyman."

• Media Coverage:
  • Initial reports failed to connect all cases, leading to public confusion and a false sense of security when Jennifer Vincent was found unharmed.
  • Over time, as connections became evident, fear intensified with the realization that the perpetrator might be someone familiar within the community.

7. Ongoing Investigation and Public Involvement

Despite years passing, the investigation remains active, with Detective Jackie Nichols tirelessly seeking answers.

• Efforts Made:
  • Physical searches using cadaver dogs trained by Nichols.
  • Reviewing and re-examining paths taken by victims.
  • Searching properties owned by Voss for evidence.

Ashley Flowers [35:04]: "Detective Nichols has turned up nothing... despite extensive searches."

• Public Assistance:
  • Nichols urges the community to come forward with any information, emphasizing the difficulty in solving the case without public input.

Ashley Flowers [46:43]: "Her hope is that someone who may have been too scared to come forward back then will feel comfortable doing so now."

8. Theories and Speculations

Several theories have emerged regarding the true nature of the crimes:

• Lance Voss as the Culprit:
  • Connected to multiple victims through personal and professional relationships.
  • Unexplained behaviors and suspicious interactions strengthen his case as a prime suspect.

Ashley Flowers [32:25]: "Could Lance have seen the girls from inside the Red Baron, somehow lured them back to the theater?"

• Alternative Theories:
  • Possibility of multiple perpetrators or different motives behind each case.
  • Unverified local rumors, such as the theory that Steven Parasol is hidden within the theater's walls.

9. Conclusion and Future Developments

Ashley Flowers emphasizes the importance of continued investigation and community involvement in solving the Lewis-Clark Valley murders.

• Upcoming Episodes:
  • A deep dive into Kristen David’s case is promised, highlighting its potential connections to Voss and other unresolved murders.

Ashley Flowers [49:57]: "In next week's episode, I'm going to dive deep into Kristen David's case..."

• Collaborative Efforts:

  • Partnerships with other true crime podcasts, like the Snake River Killer podcast, enhance the search for new leads and information.

• Call to Action:

  • Listeners are encouraged to reach out with any relevant information, aiding Detective Nichols in her pursuit of justice for the victims.

Ashley Flowers [42:35]: "Detective Nichols isn't giving up either, but she recognizes that she is not going to be able to solve these cases without the help of the public."

Notable Quotes:

• Ashley Flowers [00:03]: "This is about someone I'd never heard of. Someone who police suspect of terrible things... he could be our neighbor."
• Britt Prawat [04:41]: "What?"
• Ashley Flowers [35:04]: "Detective Nichols has turned up nothing... despite extensive searches."
• Ashley Flowers [42:12]: "People believe there is a serial killer at work."
• Ashley Flowers [46:43]: "Her hope is that someone who may have been too scared to come forward back then will feel comfortable doing so now."

Resources and Further Information: Listeners are directed to the Crime Junkie website and social media platforms to access additional materials and provide any information that could assist in resolving these cold cases.

• Website: crimejunkiepodcast.com
• Instagram: @crimejunkiepodcast
• Contact: Asotan County Sheriff's Department

Disclaimer: The information presented in this summary is based on the transcript provided and reflects the discussions and theories explored in the episode. As with all true crime investigations, some details may evolve as new evidence becomes available.