Murder: True Crime Stories - Episode: SOLVED: National Park Murders 1
Release Date: July 15, 2025
Host: Carter Roy
Produced by: Crime House Original Podcast, Powered by PAVE Studios
1. Introduction to the Case
In the gripping first installment of "SOLVED: National Park Murders," host Carter Roy delves into one of the most baffling homicides in American history—the 1996 double murder of Julie Williams and Lolli Winans in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. This episode sets the stage by exploring the lives of the victims, the circumstances leading up to their tragic deaths, and the initial challenges faced by investigators.
2. Profiles of the Victims
Julie Williams
Julie Williams, born in St. Cloud, Minnesota, in February 1969, was a passionate geologist with a profound connection to nature. "Julie was always happiest in the outdoors," Carter Roy narrates ([05:20]). Her academic journey was marked by excellence, graduating summa cum laude from Carleton College in 1994. Despite her achievements, Julie grappled with personal struggles, including a speech impediment and questions about her sexual identity, as she sought to reconcile her devout Christian faith with her emerging bisexuality.
Lolli Winans
Lolli Winans, whose full name was Laura but was known affectionately as Lolli, was born in Detroit, Michigan, in March 1970, and raised in the affluent town of Grosse Pointe. Behind her cheerful exterior lay deep-seated trauma from childhood abuse. Lolli found solace in the wilderness, ultimately channeling her experiences into a career as a wilderness guide. Her resilience was evident as she thrived in physically demanding environments, despite her hidden struggles with alcohol and past abuse ([12:38]).
3. The Blossoming Relationship
Julie and Lolli met in the summer of 1994 through their mutual involvement with Woodswomen, an outdoor education nonprofit in Minnesota. Their shared love for nature and outdoor adventures quickly evolved into a romantic relationship. "They were willing to figure it out together," Carter explains ([12:38]). Balancing their long-distance relationship between Vermont and Maine, they cherished their time together in the backcountry, even as societal and familial pressures kept their relationship relatively private.
4. The Fateful Trip to Shenandoah National Park
By spring 1996, Julie and Lolli decided to embark on a summer getaway to Shenandoah National Park, seeking a final adventure before the onset of their busy professional lives. On May 19th, they set off, bringing along Lolli’s golden retriever, Taj. Their itinerary included hiking the White Oak Canyon Trail and summiting Hawksbill Mountain, the park's highest peak ([12:29]).
5. The Day of the Murder
Despite encountering challenging weather conditions, including persistent rain and muddy trails, Julie and Lolli pressed on with their plans. On May 28th, as the week drew to a close, their disappearance became a cause for concern. Friends and family grew anxious when they failed to return as promised. "It wasn't like Julie and Lolly to go MIA," Carter notes ([21:40]).
6. Discovery and Initial Investigation
On June 1st, park rangers found Taj, Lolli's dog, wandering near the main trail, prompting a thorough search. Tragically, Julie and Lolli's bodies were discovered in their campsite, both having been brutally murdered with their throats slashed. "Julie and Lally were already dead," Carter solemnly recounts ([21:40]). The double homicide fell under federal jurisdiction, involving the National Park Service, the FBI, and the Virginia State Police. The sprawling landscape, adverse weather, and high visitor traffic complicated the investigation, making it difficult to identify potential suspects or locate critical evidence ([21:40]).
7. Media Scrutiny and Unveiling Their Relationship
As authorities launched their investigation, media attention intensified with rumors about the nature of Julie and Lolli's relationship. Journalists probed into their personal lives, leading to increased public interest and speculation. Reverend Rebecca Strader, a close confidante from Julie's church, was thrust into the spotlight as reporters sought confirmation of their partnership. "Reverend Strader confirmed it publicly. Julie and Lollie had been a couple," Carter explains ([21:40]).
8. Impact on the Community and Investigation
The revelation that Julie and Lolli were a same-sex couple added a profound layer to the case, igniting fears within the queer community that the murders were hate crimes. "For many, it felt like the confirmation of a nightmare they already lived with every day," Carter states ([21:40]). This development not only fueled nationwide headlines but also put pressure on investigators to consider motives rooted in anti-LGBTQ sentiments, broadening the scope of the inquiry and heightening public concern for safety in national parks.
9. Conclusion and Tease for Part Two
As Carter Roy wraps up the episode, he underscores the complexity of the case and the deep emotional toll it took on the victims' loved ones and the broader community. "It was possible that Lawley and Julie weren't their first victims. And if the search dragged on, they might not be their last," he warns ([21:40]). The episode concludes by promising a continuation in part two, where listeners will learn about the evolving theories, suspects, and the eventual path to justice for Julie and Lolli.
Notable Quotes
- Carter Roy ([05:20]): "Julie was always happiest in the outdoors."
- Carter Roy ([12:38]): "They were willing to figure it out together."
- Carter Roy ([21:40]): "For many, it felt like the confirmation of a nightmare they already lived with every day."
Next Episode: SOLVED: National Park Murders 2
Stay tuned for the second part of this riveting series, where Carter Roy will unravel the intricate investigative process that ultimately led to solving the National Park Murders, shedding light on the elusive perpetrator and the quest for justice.
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