Unsolved slaying has area on edge
Posted on 06/02/2002 6:45:26 AM PDT by MeekOneGOP
Unsolved slaying has area on edge
Irving residents watchful since woman, 79, was killed
06/02/2002
IRVING - The real estate listing for Kathleen White's house tells prospective buyers they could "enjoy this quiet neighborhood on a corner lot near Las Colinas."
Those who live near that home where the 79-year-old woman and her poodle Jo Jo were slain three months ago say their homes no longer fit that description. Two people were arrested in Ms. White's death but were released because police didn't have enough evidence to present to a grand jury.
Residents worry their neighbor's attacker could return.
"We're all pretty nervous," said Dawn Hoyle, who has lived in the neighborhood for 40 years. "Any stranger that pulls up, well, I've had my son run them off, telling them to get out of the neighborhood."
Ms. White's body was found Feb. 25 in the trunk of her car inside the home's garage, according to a Dallas County medical examiner's autopsy report. A tan, plastic Minyard grocery sack was found over her head, and a black electric cord was wrapped around her neck. Electrical cords were also wrapped around each ankle. She had a cracked rib and several blunt-force head injuries.
Jo Jo was hanged in the shower with an electrical cord, the report says.
Police have investigated a string of burglaries in the area but have declined to say whether they think the crimes are connected to Ms. White's death. Car and home burglaries have continued in the neighborhood since the woman's death, police said.
Some neighbors still won't open their doors to strangers; yelling at them through the door to go away works well enough. Home security signs are displayed on lawns as prominently as American flags.
"We don't trust anybody around here," said a single mother who lives down the street from where Ms. White, who was single and had no children, lived for more than 40 years. "Somebody is still out there."
Some people who live in the neighborhood of mainly one-story homes have been there for 30 to 40 years. Although they are far more distrustful of strangers, they have strengthened their ties to one another.
"One good benefit, I will say, is that we know all our neighbors," Rob Johnson said. "A lot of people who didn't know each other made a more concerted effort to get to know each other and their names."
Irving police Sgt. Stephan Granberry, who heads the community services division, said the slaying caused a surge in the number of residents wanting to join crime watches.
The department has created a citywide e-mail distribution list to send to a designated captain on each block. Soon, the department plans to begin a phone tree to reach those who don't have e-mail. It also updates its crime log daily on its Web site at www.irvingpd.com.
Residents say being alerted to problems in their neighborhood helps, but a breakthrough in Ms. White's slaying would ease their minds.
Two people arrested in connection with Ms. White's death were released. Irving police said they did not have enough evidence to pursue capital murder charges against the 22-year-old man and 16-year-old boy they arrested.
Irving police spokesman David Tull said the department is awaiting results of forensic evidence.
Those who live in the neighborhood bordered by Rochelle Boulevard, O'Connor Road and Northgate Drive say they are frustrated by the lack of progress in solving the case.
They also say that though patrols increased immediately after Ms. White's death, police presence has dwindled.
Mr. Johnson said he would like more information from police instead of the same answer that investigators are awaiting forensics results. Others say they understand the need to wait, as long as the department eventually makes an arrest that sticks.
Arnold Martin, president of the University Hills Neighborhood Association, said he will be patient, but he expects results.
Residents may be more wary, but some are realizing they can't live in fear, he said.
"Just because you're entering the safety of your home or castle as we used to call it it doesn't mean you're safe," Mr. Martin said. "But they haven't dampened our enthusiasm. This is our neighborhood, and they can't take it away from us."
E-mail jemily@dallasnews.com
I would find out WHO would benefit from her death...get the house etc. Because who ever was gonna get the house..may have given instructions not to get the carpet dirty.
This looks to me as a "hit", something planned.
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