The Background of the Killers
James Marlow, also known as “The Folsom Wolf,” was born in Texas and had a tumultuous upbringing. He spent time in various juvenile detention centers for offenses that gradually escalated in severity. Marlow later affiliated himself with a motorcycle gang and became embroiled in a life of continuous crime. Cynthia Coffman, in stark contrast, had a seemingly regular upbringing in St. Louis, Missouri. She was a high-school cheerleader and held a series of unremarkable jobs before her life took a dark turn. Their worlds collided in 1986, and it became quickly evident that the two shared a dangerous chemistry.
“Cynthia Coffman seemed like your average woman, but when she met James Marlow, it was as if a switch was flipped. The two together formed a lethal partnership,” Detective John Miller told the San Francisco Chronicle.
The Crime Spree
Within weeks of their meeting, Marlow and Coffman began a terrifying crime spree that stretched from California to other states. Initially starting with smaller crimes such as shoplifting and robbery, they quickly escalated to more violent offenses. Over several months, they were implicated in the kidnap, rape, and murder of at least four women, leaving communities on edge.
“This couple didn’t just rob or hurt people; they destroyed lives and left communities in a state of fear,” stated Attorney General Susan May in an official press release.
Victims and the Methods
Their victims were predominantly young women between the ages of 20 and 30. Marlow and Coffman targeted women who were alone in public places, such as shopping mall parking lots or gas stations. They would abduct their victims using a weapon to gain compliance before subjecting them to sexual assault and eventually, murder. Strangulation was a commonly used method, but they also employed other forms of physical torture. After killing their victims, the pair left the bodies in desolate locations like abandoned buildings or remote forest areas.
“It was clear that Marlow and Coffman had a specific modus operandi. They would plan meticulously and were absolutely ruthless in their actions,” Prosecutor Karen Higgins shared with the Los Angeles Times.
The Capture and Trial
The reign of terror came to an end in November 1986, when an observant police officer in Big Spring, Texas recognized their vehicle from an All-Points Bulletin. Following a high-speed chase, both were arrested and subsequently charged with multiple counts of murder, kidnapping, and sexual assault. During the trial, it emerged that Coffman had kept a diary detailing some of their activities, which became a key piece of evidence against them. Both were found guilty, with Marlow receiving a death sentence and Coffman being one of the few women on California’s death row.
“Putting these two behind bars doesn’t undo the damage they’ve done, but it brings some closure to the families of the victims,” stated Sheriff Laura Anderson during a post-trial press conference.
Their story serves as a grim reminder of the depths to which human depravity can sink, leaving an indelible scar on the lives they touched and the communities they terrorized.