The tree where the cop allegedly tortured and killed his victims is known in South Florida as the 'Devil Tree.'
Back then, detectives didn't have the DNA technology that is now readily available, so the case quickly turned cold, he said.
Then, in December, Othram, a Texas-based forensics lab that builds DNA profiles using genealogy, contacted the sheriff's office and said they may be able to help solve cold cases. In March, the company provided the names of the victim's mother and siblings. Springer said they provided a DNA sample from Poole's mother, who was verified as a match.
Schaefer was found guilty of murdering two other girls, ages 16 and 17, who lived near Fort Lauderdale. Their mutilated and decapitated remains were found in April 1973 in Martin County. Because of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling, Florida did not have a death penalty in the early 1970s and Schaefer was sentenced to life in prison.
Springer wants to know if she frequently hitchhiked or whether she had ever confided in them about any kind of relationship with Schaeffer.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Florida Authorities Say DNA Helped Solve 26-Year-Old MurderThe Tallahassee Police Department arrested Alan Lefferts, 71, for the 1996 killing of James Branner, who was found dead in a room at the Prince Murat Motel following a violent fight.
Read more »
Remains Identified as Florida Teen Missing for Nearly 50 Years May Be Victim of Serial KillerDetectives with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office have successfully identified human remains found as those of a teen missing from Broward County for nearly a half century. PBSO said the remains were found the morning of June 16, 1974, in a swampy area of Singer Island, located in North Palm Beach. The investigation at the time determined the remains…
Read more »
South Carolina undercover sex sting busts 11 men accused of targeting minors on social mediaSouth Carolina detectives posed as teens online.
Read more »
Man ID’d after death looking for Frisbees in alligator lakeA Florida man has been identified after authorities say he waded into a lake inhabited by alligators to find Frisbees and other flying discs to sell.
Read more »
Pastor shoots, kills man he says his wife was having an affair with, police sayA Missouri husband has been charged with first-degree murder for fatally shooting the man his wife was having an affair with, according to police.
Read more »
Florida Authorities Say DNA Helped Solve 26-Year-Old MurderThe Tallahassee Police Department arrested Alan Lefferts, 71, for the 1996 killing of James Branner, who was found dead in a room at the Prince Murat Motel following a violent fight.
Read more »