Murder: True Crime Stories – Episode Summary: SOLVED: National Park Murders 2
Podcast Information:
- Title: Murder: True Crime Stories
- Host: Carter Roy
- Episode: SOLVED: National Park Murders 2
- Release Date: July 22, 2025
1. Introduction and Background
In this gripping episode of Murder: True Crime Stories, host Carter Roy delves into the harrowing case of Julie Williams and Lolly Winans, a young queer couple whose lives were brutally taken in Shenandoah National Park in 1996. The episode meticulously traces the investigation's twists and turns over nearly three decades, highlighting the challenges faced by law enforcement and the enduring impact on the victims' community.
Carter Roy [00:37]: "Crimes that occur in national parks are notoriously difficult to deal with."
2. The 1996 Murders
Julie Williams, 24, and Lolly Winans, 26, embarked on what was intended to be a short backpacking trip in Shenandoah National Park over Memorial Day weekend. However, their disappearance sparked a desperate search that culminated in the discovery of their bodies. Both women were found bound and gagged with their throats slashed, marking the crime as both brutal and deliberate.
Carter Roy [05:55]: "Julie and Lally were found at their campsite, bound and gagged, with their throats slashed."
3. Initial Investigation and the Hate Crime Angle
The revelation that Julie and Lolly were a couple sent shockwaves through the nation and particularly the queer community, fostering fears of a hate crime. Investigators initially pursued leads close to home, suspecting individuals within the victims' personal circles. However, these efforts yielded little progress, pushing authorities to consider the possibility of a random attacker.
Carter Roy [07:15]: "Many believed the murders had been a hate crime, and they worried that whoever was responsible was gearing up for more death and destruction."
4. The Rise and Fall of Darrell Rice as a Suspect
A breakthrough seemed possible with the arrest of Darrell David Rice in connection to an attempted abduction in 1997. Rice's disturbing remarks and presence in the park during the critical timeframe made him the prime suspect. However, DNA testing revealed discrepancies that exonerated him, forcing investigators back to the drawing board.
Carter Roy [17:50]: "The hair didn't match Julie or Lolly. And most importantly, it didn't match Rice either."
5. Renewed Efforts and Identifying Walter Leo Jackson Sr.
Years of stagnation were broken in 2021 when the FBI reopened the case with advanced forensic techniques. A new DNA profile led to Walter Leo Jackson Sr., a serial predator who had evaded justice by suicide. Although Jackson was no longer alive to stand trial, the identification provided closure for Julie and Lolly's families and revised the narrative from a hate crime to a random act of violence.
Carter Roy [24:42]: "In June 2024, the FBI held a press conference... they had answers."
6. Repercussions and Legacy
The resolution of this case had profound implications. Initially classified as a hate crime, the murders of Julie and Lolly catalyzed the creation of the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act, expanding federal hate crime protections. Despite the reclassification, the case remains a poignant reminder of the long quest for justice and the resilience of the victims' community.
Carter Roy [28:30]: "Their story remains a powerful reminder of the long road to justice and the people who never stop walking it."
Notable Quotes:
- Carter Roy [04:45]: "All that and more."
- Carter Roy [05:55]: "Julie and Lally were found at their campsite, bound and gagged, with their throats slashed."
- Carter Roy [17:50]: "The hair didn't match Julie or Lolly. And most importantly, it didn't match Rice either."
- Carter Roy [24:42]: "In June 2024, the FBI held a press conference... they had answers."
- Carter Roy [28:30]: "Their story remains a powerful reminder of the long road to justice and the people who never stop walking it."
Conclusion
The second installment of the National Park Murders saga offers a comprehensive exploration of a case that tested the limits of forensic science and the persistence of those seeking truth. Through meticulous research and storytelling, Carter Roy brings to light the emotional and procedural complexities inherent in solving such a chilling crime.
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