FBI: Dead serial rapist Walter Leo Jackson linked to unsolved murder cases from almost 30 years ago

Authorities say a convicted serial rapist is responsible for the sexual assault and murder of a lesbian couple in Shenandoah National Park nearly 30 years ago.

Walter Leo Jackson Sr. killed, raped and then slit the throats of Laura “Lollie” Winans and Julianne “Julie” Williams. The bodies were found on June 1, 1996, at a campground in the Virginia park, according to the FBI. DNA evidence linked Jackson to the crimes.

Police believe the women were killed by Jackson on May 24, 1996.

Genetic evidence recovered from the woman’s remains and clothing was entered into the national DNA index as authorities renewed their efforts to solve the case in 2021. A positive match was found for Jackson, who was 70 when he died in an Ohio prison six years ago.

“Although we had that DNA match, we took further steps and compared evidence from” the murder victims “directly using” a cheek swab “to Jackson’s DNA,” the FBI said. “These results confirmed we had the right man and were finally able to tell the victims’ families that we know who is responsible for this heinous crime.”

US Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh expressed hope that the arrest would provide “some comfort” to the Winans and Williams families after 28 years.

Jackson, known by the nickname “Leo,” had a long criminal history, including kidnapping, rape and assault.

Jackson was a painter by profession and is said to have been an avid hiker who regularly visited Shenandoah National Park.

At the time of the murders, “we believe he was driving a maroon 1984 AMC Eagle 30,” the FBI said. “Jackson later drove a 1979 Ford Econoline 250 van. Jackson was known to use temporary plates, change license plates, and frequently change vehicles.”