Murder in the Mourning

On a sunny August morning in 2001, Bruce Koklich dialed 911 to report his wife Jana missing. When investigators arrived they found blood in her bedroom and blood in her car, but no sign of Jana. 

To this day, 20 years later, her body has yet to be recovered. But, has her true killer been brought to justice? 

Let’s Mourn…

Baker, K., & Acosta, N. (2024, August 7). Arrest made in killing of Detroit neurosurgeon who was shot, then dragged naked to Attic Crawlspace. Peoplemag. https://people.com/arrest-made-killing-of-detroit-neurosurgeon-shot-dragged-naked-to-attic-crawlspace-8648776

Lozano, I. (2024, August 5). How a blood test doomed a seemingly loving husband. The Independent. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/homicide-la-netflix-bruce-jana-koklich-b2591534.html

Odom, D. K. (2024, July 18). Jana Koklich’s death explained: Why Bruce Koklich killed his wife. ScreenRant. https://screenrant.com/homicide-los-angeles-jana-koklich-death-bruce-explained/

Sidnell, K. (2024, July 22). Homicide Los Angeles: Who is Bruce Koklich and where is he now?. Woman and Home Magazine. https://www.womanandhome.com/life/news-entertainment/homicide-los-angeles-who-is-bruce-koklich/

Viciously attacked, mutilated, and murdered–Katie Janess never stood a chance of survival as she lay bleeding out in Piedmont Park. 

In the early morning hours of July 28th, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia Katie was stabbed over fifty times in the face, neck, and torso. Investigators say this aggression hints at a familiarity between victim and killer–yet three later, no arrests have been made. 

However, this hadn’t been the first brutal attack to occur in the same Atlanta park. Roughly fourteen years earlier, Patrick Boland suffered a similar fate and his case, too, remains unsolved.

Let’s Mourn…

Cooper, T. (2023, July 29). Exclusive: Sister of man stabbed to death in Piedmont Park 14 years ago wants answers. https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com. https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2023/07/29/exclusive-sister-man-stabbed-death-piedmont-park-14-years-ago-wants-answers/

Dean, H. (2023, July 28). Everything we know about Katie Janness’ murder in Piedmont Park 2 years later. https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com. https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2023/07/28/everything-we-know-about-katie-janness-murder-piedmont-park-2-years-later/

Dukes, D. (2023, July 29). Katie Janness Murder: Here’s what we know 2 years after Piedmont Park stabbing. FOX 5 Atlanta. https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/katie-janness-murder-piedmont-park-stabbing-update-2023

FOX 5 Atlanta. (2023, November 9). Atlanta parks need more security cameras to ease residents’ concerns, city councilwoman says. https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/atlanta-parks-security-cameras-katie-janness-murder-piedmont-park

Kelley, C. (2023, July 31). Who murdered Katie Janness and her dog in Piedmont Park remains a mystery two years later. Rough Draft Atlanta. https://roughdraftatlanta.com/2023/07/30/who-murdered-katie-janness-and-her-dog-in-piedmont-park-remains-a-mystery-two-years-later/

Police provide update on Katie Janness Case | 2 years later | 11alive.com. (n.d.). https://www.11alive.com/article/news/crime/apd-update-murder-case-katie-janness-prince-oluzor/85-15bef5d5-ee8b-4319-814f-bf2b95b12522

Yousif, N. (2024, March 30). Success or failure? Canada’s drug decriminalisation test faces scrutiny. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68621012

Lucas Shortreed, described as a giant, loving teddy bear by his family, was killed in a hit-and-run during a 2008 Oktoberfest celebration. For over a decade, Lucas’s case stumped investigators.

Fourteen years after his death, in June of 2022, an anonymous tip broke this case wide open!

Let’s Mourn…

After a shocking court case, here’s how Lucas Shortreed’s family wants to remember him | CTV news. (n.d.-a). https://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/after-a-shocking-court-case-here-s-how-lucas-shortreed-s-family-wants-to-remember-him-1.6592221

Baker, K., & Kantor, W. G. (2024, July 7). Catfish couple allegedly drugged man before stabbing him to death and trying to take over his home (exclusive). Peoplemag. https://people.com/curtis-engeland-killing-catfish-couple-allegedly-drugged-stabbed-death-8672986

GalapagosIslands.com. (n.d.). The Vampire Finch. What are the Galapagos Islands Vampire Finch? https://www.galapagosislands.com/nature/wildlife/birds/vampire-finch.html

OPP provide new details on tip, investigation that led to arrests in Lucas shortreed’s death. (n.d.-b). https://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/opp-provide-new-details-on-tip-investigation-that-led-to-arrests-in-lucas-shortreed-s-death-1.6713171

S.M. (2022, November 14). Unsolved: Lucas Shortreed - 10/10/08 - Alma, on (solved 2022). CANADA UNSOLVED. https://www.canadaunsolved.com/cases/unsolved-lucas-shortreed-2008-alma-on

Snobelen, J. (2023, October 4). Halliburtons sentenced in Lucas shortreed hit-and-run case. Wellington Advertiser. https://www.wellingtonadvertiser.com/halliburtons-sentenced-in-lucas-shortreed-hit-and-run-case/

Vermont, known for its impressive greenery and sweet maple syrup, holds a mysterious and sinister history. From the oddities of the Bennington Triangle to the countless unsolved vanishings, this small state captures terror of every kind. 

Roland and Mara Hanel–an idyllic retired couple residing in a handmade, mountaintop chalet–were brutally murdered in 1984. The FBI is certain they knew their killer…but who was it?

Let’s Mourn…

CBS Interactive. (2024, June 29). North Carolina Police Charge Mother after 8-year-old dies from being left in hot car. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/north-carolina-police-arrest-mother-after-8-year-old-dies-being-left-in-hot-car/

Gurubacharya, B. (2024, July 1). Nepalese spiritual leader “Buddha Boy” sentenced to 10 years in prison for sexual assault on minor. AP News. https://apnews.com/article/nepal-spiritual-leader-buddha-boy-jailed-sexual-assault-77736e9c3a29f0e3f8862b9531e3a47f

Kuzma, J. (2022, November 14). The murder of maram and Roland Hanel. Unsolved Vermont. https://unsolvedvermont.com/2020/10/05/the-murder-of-maram-and-roland-hanel/

Murdered: Maram Hanel: Jay, VT. Uncovered. (n.d.). https://uncovered.com/cases/maram-hanel-jay-vt

Rathke, L. (2023, December 15). Vermont, ranked as one of the safest states, sees dramatic spike in gun violence. AP News. https://apnews.com/article/shootings-palestinian-college-students-vermont-3d4f48f5253d572a81e641ccd74ec536

Unsolved homicides. Vermont State Police. (n.d.). https://vsp.vermont.gov/unsolved/homicide

It’s no mystery that Dr. Joseph Bell’s intense observational skills inspired Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes, but ever since then, historians have continued drawing comparisons to real-life detectives. Recently, writer Dr. Angela Buckley uncovered Jerome Caminada–the true Sherlock Holmes, probably. 

Plus a breakdown of the ongoing Karen Read criminal trial! Is it a cover-up?!

Let’s Mourn…

Barton, Dr. M. (2018, April 20). Dr Joseph Bell: The real life sherlock holmes. Past Medical History. https://www.pastmedicalhistory.co.uk/dr-joseph-bell-the-real-life-sherlock-holmes/

Books - dr Angela Buckley. Dr Angela Buckley - Crime historian and author. (2024, May 13). https://drangelabuckley.com/books/

Historian, C. (2014, March 19). Detective Caminada and the Manchester Cab Mystery. Criminal Historian. https://criminalhistorian.wordpress.com/2014/03/19/detective-caminada-and-the-manchester-cab-mystery/

The Manc. (2021, July 23). Jerome Caminada: Manchester’s very own Sherlock Holmes. https://themanc.com/feature/jerome-caminada-manchesters-very-own-sherlock-holmes/

Stelloh, T. (n.d.). Karen Read Trial: Everything you need to know on the case. NBCNews.com. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/karen-read-trial-john-okeefe-death-what-know-rcna155905

William Gates overcame the death of his young wife, excelled in his career, started his own business, and found love for a second time–only to wake up on a makeshift operating table in a house designed for torture…

Plus, a 30-year-old cold case has been solved! 

Let’s Mourn.

CBS Interactive. (n.d.). 1996 cold case killings of 2 campers at Shenandoah National Park solved, FBI says, pointing to serial rapist. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/shenandoah-national-park-1996-cold-case-killings-2-campers-solved-fbi-serial-rapist-walter-leo-jackson-senior/

Former local man held for murder, William Gates charged with killing Louisville man... Newspapers.com. (1924, March 10). https://www.newspapers.com/article/2375943/former_local_man_held_for_murderwilliam/

Morrow, J. (n.d.). The torture house, 1924, Louisville, KY - historicalcrimedetective.com. https://www.historicalcrimedetective.com/the-torture-house/

Underwater murder, rare as it may be, is quite difficult to prove. During an Australian excursion, newlyweds Gabe and Tina Watson suffered the ultimate loss under eerie circumstances.

What started with a shining moment in their marriage, ended in a lasting, haunting memory.

Let’s Mourn…

ABC News. (n.d.-a). Gabe Watson: “Liar” or Victim of “Tragic Accident.” https://abcnews.go.com/US/honeymoon-killer-gabe-watson-liar-victim-tragic-accident/story?id=15587003

ABC News. (n.d.-b). Honeymoon “Killer”: Gabe Watson Breaks Silence on Details of Wife’s Death. https://abcnews.go.com/US/honeymoon-killer-gabe-watson-breaks-silence-details-wifes/story?id=15819106

Gabe Watson says new wife Kim Lewis not a tina ... (n.d.-a). https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/gabe-watson-says-new-wife-not-a-lookalike/news-story/95a9557ad96f55008e730e490a1affbc

Gates V. (n.d.). Attorneys say honeymoon death fueled by money or misfortune | reuters. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-crime-honeymoon-australia/attorneys-say-honeymoon-death-fueled-by-money-or-misfortune-idUSTRE81D22L20120214

Harrison, M. (2022, November 26). Nightmare honeymoon ends in scuba-diving murder in Australia. Medium. https://medium.com/@homicide-inc/nightmare-honeymoon-ends-in-scuba-diving-murder-in-australia-8f7167856284

Kivi, R. (2023, May 5). Air embolism: Causes, symptoms, and diagnosis. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/air-embolism#causes

Seiwell, E., & Tracy, T. (2024, June 15). Mugger with machete sexually abuses 13-year-old girl in Queens Park. New York Daily News. https://www.nydailynews.com/2024/06/14/mugger-sexually-abuses-13-year-old-girl-in-queens-park/

Wikimedia Foundation. (2024, June 6). Death of Tina Watson. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Tina_Watson

Was an innocent man put to death??

But first! In the late 1940s women began disappearing in a German forest…a swastika-growing forest!! The wooded lands of Brandenburg hold a murderous history few others can contend with.

Let’s Mourn…

Sources:

ABC News Network. (n.d.). Horticultural Hate: The Mystery of the Forest Swastikas. ABC News. https://abcnews.go.com/International/horticultural-hate-mystery-forest-swastikas/story?id=19588288

CBS Interactive. (n.d.). Missouri executes death row inmate David Hosier for 2009 murders after governor denied clemency. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/david-hosier-missouri-execution-2009-murders-death-row-governor-denies-clemency/

Wikimedia Foundation. (2024, April 21). Willi Kimmritz. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willi_Kimmritz