Mike Margaret & Donna Hall 8/17/84 - 8/21/84

[almagata]

In reading this case, I think there are some similarities with the Colonial Parkway murders that are worth looking at. 

Summary from Reddit:

"Mike and Donna were long-time sweethearts who lived in the trendier portion of West End Richmond. There were last seen at an intimate gathering of friends on August 17th, 1984 at about 11:45 PM when they left. They told their families that they planned to go camping for the weekend. When they did not return Sunday evening, their families filed missing person reports. Some family members prayed they chose to elope. On Tuesday, August 21st 1984, a retired dentist was walking his dog behind the King’s Crossing Apartments off Gaskins Road when he noticed a Jeep backed into a depression off the trail. The passenger side door was found open, keys in the ignition, ashtray open, and a bandana found hanging from the rearview mirror, and another tied loosely around the clutch. Two suitcases were found in the back with a paper bag full of clothing. He quickly noticed what could be dried blood on the passenger side seat and became concerned. He walked behind the Jeep and came across a foul smell and saw a checkered blue and red blanket about 20 feet away. There he discovered the bodies of Mike and Donna. Donna did not have on shoes and they could not be located in the crime scene, and no defensive wounds. No drugs were found at the crime scene, and three cigarettes had been smoked, a bottle of beer drank, and they were scattered in a line on the ground.

They has been drugged with Demerol, and their throats had been slit. According to the coroner, Mike and Donna has died between 1-2:00 am on August 18th. Three DNA blood profiles were found at the scene including Mike, Donna’s and an unidentified third. This person had a Type A blood profile and their blood was not splattered, but dropped all over the car as if the killer was searching for something. If this is connected to the Colonial Parkway Murders, it would actually be the first known murder, proceeding Cathleen and Rebecca by two years."

[almagata]

wtvr.com/2015/08/05/16-things-to-know-about-the-brutal-1984-murder-of-a-west-end-couple/

HENRICO, Va. -- Thirty-one years ago in August, two people were found brutally murdered in the Henrico woods which once sprawled out along Patterson Avenue, now known as the suburban Kings Crossing division.

Police need your tips to help solve the brutal murder of Donna Hall and Mike Margaret.

Family, friends and investigators have been frustrated for years, wondering who murdered Donna Hall, an 18-year-old Freeman High School graduate and Mike Margaret, a 21-year-old graduate of Tucker High School.

The couple, together approximately four years, was last seen alive on August 17, 1984.

Below is a list containing points that law enforcement believes are some of the most crucial details among the evidence – and speculation – of what happened that dreadful night.

SIXTEEN THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE MURDER OF MIKE AND DONNA

Police can track the couple’s whereabouts every hour from around 4 p.m. to 11:45 p.m. on Friday, August 17, 1984. The last time the couple was seen alive was at an intimate get together with friends – not quite a “party." Detective Thomas Holsinger said those friends have always been extremely cooperative.
The couple went somewhere else afterward, and police want to hear from people who may know where they went. This is when police believe it went south for the couple.
Donna was found without shoes at the crime scene. They could have been left at the unknown place where they were before their death, or the shoes could have been taken from the crime scene.
Police do believe that the couple was murdered at the scene. As Holsinger pointed out, in the crime scene photos Donna can be seen clutching pine needles.
Holsinger said that if such a crime occurred present day, it “probably would have been solved within a week.” Advances in DNA, cellphone tracking and forensics would have all been on the detectives' side. Also, a torrential downpour fell just hours after the bloody crime and washed away “vital evidence.”
The Medical Examiner believes the time of death was around 1- 2 a.m. Saturday morning, August 18. They were found on August 21 in the early evening.
They were stabbed to death and their throats cut. It was “overkill.”
Many have speculated that Mike and Donna's bodies were arranged in what is called “motorcycle calling card.” Holsinger denied that possibility. He did in an interview use the word “posed” to address how the couple was found.
But Holsinger attributed the way they were laying to the Demerol, a narcotic sedative found in their systems. Neither one tried to flee. Donna had an “extreme amount” of Demerol in her system. He would not comment as to how it was ingested.
Mike fought back against the attacker. It is likely the attacker was wounded in the fight and may have had face or hand wounds. Holsinger would not comment if police believe the killer was right-handed or left-handed.
An important part of the case is who was using, stealing and/or dealing Demerol at the time. “Maybe someone will say, ‘I remember this guy – he used to break into pharmacies,’” Holsinger said.
A third blood type was found inside the Jeep. The last DNA test they did was in 2006, before that 1987. This evidence will be resubmitted.
All evidence is being reexamined and much of it will go to state lab, soon.
Investigators have said the couple had a large sum of money. Holsinger said they believe the couple wanted to purchase enough quantity of drugs to sell.
People named as suspects before by many people have been questioned and cleared.
Tips are beginning to get very detailed, Holsinger said, and they may begin to close ranks on the investigation.

Detective Holsinger, who works within the Henrico Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit, said they have been getting a lot of tips since a special report by CBS 6 reporter Greg McQuade aired July 22. He said they have collected more information now than detectives had three decades ago.

People have moved on from previous friendships and bonds that may have kept them from talking to police at the time, Holsinger said. He also said that people have kids now, a new emotional factor that helps prompt more tips.

[maxxcat2018]

I definitely think this one is connected, way too similar to the other killings for me to ignore.

[cleopatra]

Oct 23, 2018 14:41:44 GMT almagata said:

In reading this case, I think there are some similarities with the Colonial Parkway murders that are worth looking at. 

Summary from Reddit:

"Mike and Donna were long-time sweethearts who lived in the trendier portion of West End Richmond. There were last seen at an intimate gathering of friends on August 17th, 1984 at about 11:45 PM when they left. They told their families that they planned to go camping for the weekend. When they did not return Sunday evening, their families filed missing person reports. Some family members prayed they chose to elope. On Tuesday, August 21st 1984, a retired dentist was walking his dog behind the King’s Crossing Apartments off Gaskins Road when he noticed a Jeep backed into a depression off the trail. The passenger side door was found open, keys in the ignition, ashtray open, and a bandana found hanging from the rearview mirror, and another tied loosely around the clutch. Two suitcases were found in the back with a paper bag full of clothing. He quickly noticed what could be dried blood on the passenger side seat and became concerned. He walked behind the Jeep and came across a foul smell and saw a checkered blue and red blanket about 20 feet away. There he discovered the bodies of Mike and Donna. Donna did not have on shoes and they could not be located in the crime scene, and no defensive wounds. No drugs were found at the crime scene, and three cigarettes had been smoked, a bottle of beer drank, and they were scattered in a line on the ground.

They has been drugged with Demerol, and their throats had been slit. According to the coroner, Mike and Donna has died between 1-2:00 am on August 18th. Three DNA blood profiles were found at the scene including Mike, Donna’s and an unidentified third. This person had a Type A blood profile and their blood was not splattered, but dropped all over the car as if the killer was searching for something. If this is connected to the Colonial Parkway Murders, it would actually be the first known murder, proceeding Cathleen and Rebecca by two years."

I have completely analyzed this case over and over again and firmly belueved it could be the work of the CPK. I wrote my reasons why I could not rule out thay it may be a CBK murder, in the thread called UNSOLVED LOVERS LANE MURDERS.

[cleopatra]

Oct 23, 2018 14:41:44 GMT almagata said:

In reading this case, I think there are some similarities with the Colonial Parkway murders that are worth looking at. 

Summary from Reddit:

"Mike and Donna were long-time sweethearts who lived in the trendier portion of West End Richmond. There were last seen at an intimate gathering of friends on August 17th, 1984 at about 11:45 PM when they left. They told their families that they planned to go camping for the weekend. When they did not return Sunday evening, their families filed missing person reports. Some family members prayed they chose to elope. On Tuesday, August 21st 1984, a retired dentist was walking his dog behind the King’s Crossing Apartments off Gaskins Road when he noticed a Jeep backed into a depression off the trail. The passenger side door was found open, keys in the ignition, ashtray open, and a bandana found hanging from the rearview mirror, and another tied loosely around the clutch. Two suitcases were found in the back with a paper bag full of clothing. He quickly noticed what could be dried blood on the passenger side seat and became concerned. He walked behind the Jeep and came across a foul smell and saw a checkered blue and red blanket about 20 feet away. There he discovered the bodies of Mike and Donna. Donna did not have on shoes and they could not be located in the crime scene, and no defensive wounds. No drugs were found at the crime scene, and three cigarettes had been smoked, a bottle of beer drank, and they were scattered in a line on the ground.

They has been drugged with Demerol, and their throats had been slit. According to the coroner, Mike and Donna has died between 1-2:00 am on August 18th. Three DNA blood profiles were found at the scene including Mike, Donna’s and an unidentified third. This person had a Type A blood profile and their blood was not splattered, but dropped all over the car as if the killer was searching for something. If this is connected to the Colonial Parkway Murders, it would actually be the first known murder, proceeding Cathleen and Rebecca by two years."

Discussions on this board about Margaret/Hall murder begin on page 3 of the thread called Unsolved Lovers Lane Murders.  


earonsgsk.proboards.com/thread/7671/unsolved-lovers-lane-murders?page=3

[cleopatra]

Oct 23, 2018 16:22:13 GMT maxxcat2018 said:

I definitely think this one is connected, way too similar to the other killings for me to ignore.

Max and almagata,

Take a look at this one as well. If this one was the work of the CPK, he may have been in his early 20s in 1979. This took place in Virginia 1978 and the male victim was 20. All the CPK male victims are 20, if not just about 20, including Michael Margaret. 

Maybe the CPK lit a vehicle on fire before and it worked that time. So tried it again with Cathy's car. 

I did a lot of reading on this one. Local LE tried to pin the murders on a guy named Beard. They showed a single picture of Beard to a witness who then said Beard was the man he saw with the victims. Previously, the witness said he didn't know who the guy he had seen with the victim's was and that they were to far to see his face.

Then Beard escaped from the local jail....i found that odd. Next, Beard committed suicide in the local jail house leaving a note basically confessing to the murder. Beard was a rapist. The female victim was not raped. 

After all I read, I could not say that Beard murdered the couple. I believed it could have been the CPK. And I was left feeling the local cops acted suspiciously. 

earonsgsk.proboards.com/thread/7829/unsolved-couple-murder-truck-burned

CLEO

[almagata]

Oct 23, 2018 18:19:38 GMT cleopatra said:

Oct 23, 2018 14:41:44 GMT almagata said:

In reading this case, I think there are some similarities with the Colonial Parkway murders that are worth looking at. 

Summary from Reddit:

"Mike and Donna were long-time sweethearts who lived in the trendier portion of West End Richmond. There were last seen at an intimate gathering of friends on August 17th, 1984 at about 11:45 PM when they left. They told their families that they planned to go camping for the weekend. When they did not return Sunday evening, their families filed missing person reports. Some family members prayed they chose to elope. On Tuesday, August 21st 1984, a retired dentist was walking his dog behind the King’s Crossing Apartments off Gaskins Road when he noticed a Jeep backed into a depression off the trail. The passenger side door was found open, keys in the ignition, ashtray open, and a bandana found hanging from the rearview mirror, and another tied loosely around the clutch. Two suitcases were found in the back with a paper bag full of clothing. He quickly noticed what could be dried blood on the passenger side seat and became concerned. He walked behind the Jeep and came across a foul smell and saw a checkered blue and red blanket about 20 feet away. There he discovered the bodies of Mike and Donna. Donna did not have on shoes and they could not be located in the crime scene, and no defensive wounds. No drugs were found at the crime scene, and three cigarettes had been smoked, a bottle of beer drank, and they were scattered in a line on the ground.

They has been drugged with Demerol, and their throats had been slit. According to the coroner, Mike and Donna has died between 1-2:00 am on August 18th. Three DNA blood profiles were found at the scene including Mike, Donna’s and an unidentified third. This person had a Type A blood profile and their blood was not splattered, but dropped all over the car as if the killer was searching for something. If this is connected to the Colonial Parkway Murders, it would actually be the first known murder, proceeding Cathleen and Rebecca by two years."

I have completely analyzed this case over and over again and firmly belueved it could be the work of the CPK. I wrote my reasons why I could not rule out thay it may be a CBK murder, in the thread called UNSOLVED LOVERS LANE MURDERS.

Sorry Cleo,

I should have done a better search on the board to find your case summary. 

This case is so similar to the CPK cases, that it is hard not to believe it is the same guy(s).

I'm starting to believe that the canoodling is only part of what CPK finds offensive.  I am starting to believe drug use is also part of his formula. 

I hope that DNA from the blood has been preserved in this case and that it will be searched in the familial DNA technique. 

[bmks]

Ok seriously we gonna start blaming every crime that happened in Virginia to the cpk?never heard of the perp drugging any other victims this case is obviously drug related and definitely not cpk in my opinion

[trabuco]

Oct 23, 2018 21:09:09 GMT bmks said:

Ok seriously we gonna start blaming every crime that happened in Virginia to the cpk?

Only the couples.

[brittz]

Lol good one im gonna go with it not being cpk till i can see some evidence that other couples where drugged too

[cleopatra]

Oct 23, 2018 21:09:09 GMT bmks said:

Ok seriously we gonna start blaming every crime that happened in Virginia to the cpk?never heard of the perp drugging any other victims this case is obviously drug related and definitely not cpk in my opinion

bmks,

We (or at least I) will only consider cold case murders as possibly being the work of the CPK,

-  that occurred in the state of Virginia,

- of COUPLES who were roughly 20 years old,

- riding or possibly parked together in a vehicle owned by the male victim,

- who disappeared around midnight,

- on a weekend night, 

- especially on a three day holiday weekend,

- who were found dead away from their vehicle,

- in a wooded area,

- where there was no sexual assault or robbery,

- where the vehicle was parked where it could have been easily found,

- and the keys were either in the ignition or lying on the front seat of the vehicle,

- whose wallets, female's purse, and other valuables were left behind in the vehicle,

- but where the female's wallet may have been taken,

- where the victims were killed by either stabbing, gunshot or slashed throats or two or all of those ways,

- whose murders were an overkill,

- where the victims were partially clothed,

- where the victims clothing and shoes were found inside the vehicle,

- where either one or both shoes of the female was missing,

- when nearby the crime spot was either Interstate 64, a river or other body of water, and/or a State or National Park,

- and, where the victims had come from somewhere where they may have eaten before disappearing, such as a movie theater, restaurant, convenience store, or party.

As I have already stated, if a cold case is found where many of the above details are present, then I will consider it as possibly being the work of the CPK.

The Margaret/Hall murder has MANY of the above details.  It doesn't mean this murder or any other cold cases found and considered ARE the work of the CPK, just that I suspect they may be his work.

If there are other cold cases sharing a lot of those traits, but did not take place in Virginia, I may also consider them as possibly being the work of the CPK. 

Cleo

[almagata]

Oct 23, 2018 21:37:43 GMT brittz said:

Lol good one im gonna go with it not being cpk till i can see some evidence that other couples where drugged too

CPK did not have to drug these victims.  The victims could have taken Demerol voluntarily.  They certainly would not be the first couple in the history of America to use recreational drugs. 

[cleopatra]

Oct 23, 2018 21:37:43 GMT brittz said:

Lol good one im gonna go with it not being cpk till i can see some evidence that other couples where drugged too

He may not have drugged them. Maybe, maybe not.  Maybe if he did, maybe it was the only time he had the Demoral available to him.

Maybe the Margaret/Hall murders was a crime of opportunity.  He may have been fanaticizing about killing a couple out in the woods, and thought of different ways to pull it off.  Then, he happened to be around where Michael Margaret and Donna Hall were - maybe in the parking lot, or parked nearby somewhere, or maybe he followed them from the party they were at.  And he decided to put his fantasy into action. 

All maybes, of course, because the only thing we do know for a fact is that this young couple was brutally slaughtered in the darkness of the night, in a place surrounded by tall trees and lots of dirt.

The one strongest detail that stands out in murder that makes me consider it as a CPK crime, is the fact that it involves a couple, two people.  Serial killings of TWO persons at the same time is extremely rare.

[cleopatra]

Oct 24, 2018 3:56:55 GMT almagata said:

Oct 23, 2018 21:37:43 GMT brittz said:

Lol good one im gonna go with it not being cpk till i can see some evidence that other couples where drugged too

CPK did not have to drug these victims.  The victims could have taken Demerol voluntarily.  They certainly would not be the first couple in the history of America to use recreational drugs. 

almagata,

You're right. I thought about that. In fact, they may have taken Demerol themselves, and they could have even taken it believing it was another drug, like cocaine or some other drug.

No one really knows how the Demerol ended up in their systems.  But if the Demerol is removed from the whole picture/the crime, everything else looks straight up CPK.

Cleo

[almagata]

Cleo,

I took a look at these unsolved cases tonight posted on Reddit. Some of them are pairs and some are single murders or disappearances. I think it is safe to say that there was another serial killer working the Virginia Beach area who was targeting vacationing women and perhaps resident women who hung out in bars in the resort area. 

I did find an article about the Sessa's who were a married couple that were killed in their home and the Virginia Beach police were quick to declare the case a drug killing. 

There also was this other case where a guy was found by a river with what would seem to be a suicide shot in the mouth but no gun was found. 

So many of these murders where the victim was shot the gun was a .22.  I would have expected more variety. 

I used to think California had lots of murders in the 1970's-1980's but we are huge compared to little Virginia with all these deaths. 

www.reddit.com/r/UnresolvedMysteries/comments/61jhfb/serial_killer_from_my_hometown_virginia_beach/

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