OC’s Infamous Serial Killer Tied to New Victim After 45 Years

Major Break in Orange County’s Cold Case: Identification of Randy Kraft’s Victim

In a groundbreaking development, investigators in Orange County, California, have made a significant breakthrough in a 45-year-old murder mystery linked to notorious serial killer Randy Kraft. By employing innovative genealogy techniques, law enforcement officials succeeded in identifying the remains of Larry Eugene Parks, a 30-year-old Vietnam War veteran whose body was discovered along Interstate 5 near Woodburn, Oregon, in 1980. This identification brings closure to a case that had long been believed unsolvable and highlights the potent intersection of forensic science and investigative perseverance.

Kraft, known infamously as the Freeway Killer and the Scorecard Killer, is currently serving a death sentence for the murders of 16 young men across California. His criminal history was marred by heinous acts of violence characterized by drugging, torturing, and ultimately strangling his victims. After being apprehended in 1983, investigators found a coded list that many believe denotes his victims, prompting a years-long investigation into his horrific crimes. The acknowledgment of Parks as one of Kraft’s victims strengthens the grim narrative surrounding one of America’s most prolific serial killers.

Parks had not been seen by his family since 1979 when he was living in Pensacola, Florida. For decades, he was known only as “John Doe” until the recent advancements in DNA genealogy spurred detectives to revisit old cases associated with Kraft. Following the arrest of Joseph James DeAngelo—known as the Golden State Killer—cold-case investigations have surged, paving the way for new methodologies to confront unsolved murders.

The identification process began when Orange County Sheriff’s Department investigators shifted their focus to unidentified remains that may align with Kraft’s previous victims. Upon discovering links between Parks and Kraft during their investigation, they secured a blood sample from a family member. The sample was processed by Parabon Nanolabs, leading to a comprehensive genetic profile that was ultimately uploaded to GEDmatch, a DNA database accessible to law enforcement agencies. This meticulous digging culminated in the identification of Parks, providing his family with much-needed closure amidst decades of uncertainty.

Parks’ case not only illustrates the power of genealogy in solving cold cases but also reveals the surreality of being a victim of such a well-known criminal. Captain Kyle Kennedy of the Oregon State Police stated that Parks represented an "outlier" among Kraft’s victims, complicating the identification due to the nature of his lifestyle as a drifter. Found unclothed and abandoned, investigators believe his death likely occurred within 24 hours prior to the discovery of his remains.

Authorities now aim to investigate the circumstances surrounding Parks’ murder further. According to a statement from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Kraft is also suspected in numerous homicides beyond California, potentially implicating him in over 60 deaths across multiple states. As the Oregon State Police Cold Case Unit delves into Parks’ homicide, the unfolding narrative continues to shed light on the magnitude of Kraft’s criminal endeavors and the extensive impact he has had on a myriad of families.

In conclusion, the identification of Larry Eugene Parks marks a pivotal moment in the long history of unsolved murders linked to Randy Kraft. This case not only reinforces the notion of persistent investigative efforts but also highlights the advancements in forensic science that enable law enforcement to delve into the past, drawing connections between unsolved cases in a bid for closure and justice for victims and their families. The unearthing of Parks’ identity serves as a stark reminder of justice’s long journey and the enduring impact of one individual’s depravity.