In 1946, the otherwise peaceful twin cities of Texarkana, Texas, and Texarkana, Arkansas, were plunged into chaos as a series of heinous attacks unfolded. The “Texarkana Phantom Killer” targeted couples in remote areas during moonlit nights, leaving five dead and three wounded. This reign of terror has never been solved, giving rise to myths and speculations that persist to this day.
The Crimes
The First Attacks
The Moonlight Murders began with the assault of Mary Jeanne Larey and Jimmy Hollis on February 22, 1946. While parked in a lovers’ lane, they were attacked by a masked man. Though both survived, their traumatic experience left them unable to identify their assailant, setting the stage for a series of horrifying events.
Escalation
From March to May, three more attacks occurred, each following a similar pattern. The victims, all couples, were surprised in isolated spots. Richard L. Griffin and Polly Ann Moore were found dead on March 24, and Paul Martin and Betty Jo Booker on April 14. The killer’s modus operandi was inconsistent, leading to confusion among investigators.
The Final Attack
On May 3, Virgil Starks was shot and killed in his home, and his wife Katie was severely wounded. The farmhouse attack marked a disturbing departure from the previous pattern, raising questions about the killer’s motives and escalating violence.
The Investigation
An All-Consuming Effort
The investigation involved local law enforcement, the Texas Rangers, and the FBI. A reward of over $10,000 was offered, yet despite a substantial effort, including a manhunt involving hundreds of officers, the trail went cold.
Profile and Theories
Investigators worked with psychologists to construct profiles of the killer. Some believed the assailant had a deep-seated hatred for women or was a sadist, while others posited that the killings were random acts of violence. Multiple suspects were investigated, but none were charged.
The Impact
A Community Changed
The Moonlight Murders left Texarkana forever changed. Panic swept the area, with residents arming themselves and locking their homes. Schools imposed curfews, and businesses closed early. The sense of security was shattered.
Lasting Fascination
The legend of the Phantom Killer has become a part of Texarkana’s cultural fabric. Tours and museums commemorate the events, and the case has been the subject of documentaries and movies, like “The Town That Dreaded Sundown.”
The Moonlight Murders remain a captivating and unsolved piece of criminal history. The elusive nature of the killer, combined with the inconsistencies in the crimes, has turned the case into a perpetual mystery. Decades later, the shadow of the Phantom Killer continues to loom over Texarkana, a symbol of the unknowable darkness that can infiltrate even the most tranquil of places.