The Phantom Killer of Texarkana

 

The Phantom Killer of Texarkana, also known as the "Texarkana Moonlight Murders," refers to a series of unsolved murders that occurred in the Texarkana area, spanning from February to May 1946. This mysterious and terrifying crime spree left the community on edge, as law enforcement struggled to apprehend the elusive killer.

The first attack took place on February 22, 1946, when Jimmy Hollis and Mary Larey were assaulted by a masked assailant while parked in a secluded area. Hollis survived the attack, but the incident marked the beginning of a string of brutal crimes that would haunt the Texarkana region.

The Phantom Killer's next victims were Richard Griffin and Polly Ann Moore, a young couple discovered dead on March 24, 1946, near an isolated lover's lane. Both had been shot multiple times, and their murders bore the hallmarks of a targeted and vicious attack. The community was gripped with fear as news of the heinous crimes spread.

A few weeks later, on April 13, the killer struck again. This time, Betty Jo Booker and Paul Martin, two teenagers, were found dead in their car. The perpetrator had shot them and left the crime scene shrouded in darkness. The gruesome nature of the murders intensified the panic in Texarkana, and residents began taking precautions to avoid becoming the next victims.

Law enforcement faced significant challenges in solving the case. The Phantom Killer operated under the cover of darkness, and the lack of modern forensic technology hampered the investigation. The community's fear escalated, leading to a widespread phenomenon of citizens arming themselves and implementing self-imposed curfews.

Despite increased patrols and a heightened state of alert, the Phantom Killer struck again on May 3, 1946. Virgil Starks, a farmer, was shot while inside his farmhouse, and his wife, Katie, was attacked in a similar manner. Remarkably, Virgil survived, but Katie tragically lost her life. The brutal assault further fueled the terror enveloping Texarkana.

The killings abruptly ceased after the attack on the Starks family, leaving law enforcement perplexed and the community haunted by the unresolved crimes. Various suspects were considered, and investigations continued for years, but the identity of the Phantom Killer remained elusive.

The case gained renewed attention in the 1970s when it served as inspiration for the film "The Town That Dreaded Sundown." Despite efforts to solve the mystery, the Texarkana Moonlight Murders remain unsolved to this day.

The Phantom Killer of Texarkana left an indelible mark on the community, shaping local folklore and instilling a sense of unease that lingers even decades later. The unsolved nature of the crimes and the enigmatic identity of the perpetrator contribute to the enduring mystique surrounding this dark chapter in Texarkana's history.