Cold Case Victim Identified Linked to Notorious Killer

Categories: California Breaking NewsCalifornia News

A detective examining evidence at a cold case site.

News Summary

Oregon authorities have identified Larry Eugene Parks, a victim from 1980, linking him to serial killer Randy Kraft, known as the ‘Scorecard Killer.’ Kraft, serving a life sentence, is now the sole suspect in Parks’ murder. This breakthrough follows nearly 45 years of mystery, aided by advancements in forensic genealogy. Parks, who had lost contact with family in 1979, was found dead along Interstate 5. This resolution brings closure to his loved ones as investigations continue into Kraft’s crimes.

Oregon authorities have identified a victim from a nearly 45-year-old cold case, linking him to notorious serial killer Randy Kraft, also known as the “Scorecard Killer.” Larry Eugene Parks, a 30-year-old man, was discovered dead along Interstate 5 in Oregon on July 18, 1980, with his identity remaining unknown for decades.

The announcement was made by Oregon State Police spokesperson Kyle Kennedy, who revealed that Kraft is now the sole suspect in Parks’ murder. Kraft, currently 80 years old and serving a life sentence at San Quentin State Prison, was convicted in 1989 for the murders of 16 men across California. He maintains his innocence, continuously denying any involvement in these crimes.

The investigation into Parks’ homicide was initiated shortly after his body was found; however, it took nearly 45 years for authorities to identify him. Using forensic genealogy methods, an investigator from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department contacted the Oregon State Police Cold Case Unit in 2024. A genetic profile was crafted from a blood sample discovered at the crime scene, leading to a breakthrough when potential relatives of Parks provided DNA for comparison.

Until last month, the circumstances surrounding Parks’ disappearance were a mystery to his family. He had lost contact with them in 1979 and was last reported seen in Pensacola, Florida. The resolution of his case has brought some closure, albeit after an extensive and painful wait for his loved ones.

Kraft has a disturbing history that includes being pulled over for erratic driving in 1983, during which law enforcement discovered a dead U.S. Marine in his passenger seat. In addition, investigators found a coded list within his possession, believed to outline 67 potential victims across California, Oregon, and Michigan.

In recent years, authorities have been taking a closer look at Kraft’s activities and possible connections to additional victims. Investigators are currently processing more evidence to further establish a link between Kraft and Parks’ death. In 2023, similar forensic genealogy techniques allowed for the identification of the remains of a teenager, who is also believed to have been a victim of Kraft.

Prosecutors have characterized Kraft as a fetishist who allegedly kept dismembered body parts of his victims in his refrigerator, painting a chilling picture of a man whose reign of terror appears to have far-reaching implications.

This latest development highlights the advancements in forensic technology, which have allowed cold cases to find new life and resolution long after the initial investigations have stalled. Parks’ identification serves as a testament to the ongoing commitment of law enforcement to seek justice for victims, no matter how much time has passed.