The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Richmond Field Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia announce a suspect has been identified in the murders of two women in the Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, in May 1996.

Laura “Lollie” Winans and Julianne “Julie” Williams were murdered at their campsite near the Skyland Resort on May 24, 1996. Family members called the National Park Service after the woman did not return home as planned. Their bodies were found on June 1, 1996, after an extensive search by rangers with the National Park Service.

In 2021, a new FBI Richmond investigative team was assigned to conduct a methodic review of the case. FBI special agents, intelligence analysts, and other FBI Richmond employees reassessed hundreds of leads and interviews. They spent countless hours identifying and prioritizing evidence from the crime scene to retest and submit the items to an accredited private lab.

Recently, the private lab successfully pulled DNA from several items of evidence and, with assistance from the Virginia State Police, the profile was submitted to the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). There was a positive match to Walter Leo Jackson Senior (born November 2, 1947). Jackson was a convicted serial rapist, originally from the Cleveland, Ohio area.

“Even though we had this DNA match, we took additional steps and compared evidence from Lollie and Julie’s murders directly to a buccal swab containing Jackson’s DNA. Those results confirmed we had the right man and finally could tell the victim’s families we know who is responsible for this heinous crime,” said Stanley M. Meador, the FBI Richmond special agent in charge.

“After 28 years, we are now able to say who committed the brutal murders of Lollie Winans and Julie Williams in Shenandoah National Park,” United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh said today. “I want again to extend my condolences to the Winans and Williams families and hope today’s announcement provides some small solace.”

Jackson, who went by the name “Leo,” died in prison in March 2018 in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. Jackson had a lengthy criminal history, including kidnapping, rape, and assaults. Our investigative team continued taking steps to learn more about Jackson’s activities through the years, which includes full coordination with our partners at the Cleveland Police Department and Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office.

Jackson, a residential painter by trade, was an avid hiker known to visit Shenandoah National Park. At the time of Lollie and Julie’s murders, we believe he was driving a 1984 Chestnut Brown AMC Eagle 30. Jackson later drove a 1979 model Ford Econoline 250 van. Jackson used temporary tags, altered license plates, and frequently changed vehicles.

The FBI will continue to work with law enforcement partners to determine if Jackson is responsible for other unsolved crimes. Anyone with information on Jackson should call 1-800-CALL FBI or submit it online at tips.fbi.gov.

In a heartwarming initiative to honor the wisdom and experiences of our older veterans, the Royal Examiner’s Mike McCool recently interviewed Franklin Selzer, an 83-year-old veteran, at Hidden Springs Senior Living. This interview is part of an ongoing series aimed at capturing and sharing the rich life stories of our nation’s heroes.

Franklin Selzer, who grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, shared his journey from a young boy setting pins and caddying to a distinguished military career that spanned over three decades. “I think I’m 83, last time I checked. 1938, what does that make me? I think that’s about right,” Franklin chuckled as he recounted his life.

Franklin’s path to military service was marked by determination and resilience. He recalled his early jobs and stint as a shipping clerk before the Air Force offered him an opportunity. “The Air Force offered me an opportunity, and the Academy was calling. I enlisted first to get a double chance,” he explained. Franklin persevered despite facing challenges, including a dental mishap that nearly derailed his dreams. “This is a wonderful country, and you get those opportunities as long as you stay with it,” he reflected.

In 1956, Franklin enlisted and eventually rose through the ranks to become an airbase commander by 1971. His story is one of triumph and subtle vindication. “I was able to come back and be the commander of that airbase, and I can invite those people to our parties and put them at the head table. Oh, how are you doing this evening? It’s so good to see you,” he shared with a knowing smile.

Franklin’s career also included significant contributions at the Pentagon, where he was instrumental in establishing the United States Transportation Command. “They said, Frank, we’ll do something that never happened before. We’re going to establish the United States Transportation Command,” he recalled. Despite skepticism from some quarters, Franklin and his team succeeded, with his superiors recognizing his efforts.

Reflecting on his military career, Franklin emphasized the importance of discipline and service. “I think our young people today should get into the military. You’ll learn discipline. You’ll learn how to brush your teeth and shine your shoes,” he advised. His words serve as a reminder of the values instilled through military service.

After retiring from the Air Force as a full colonel, Franklin transitioned to a second career with the airlines, continuing to serve the country in a different capacity. He eventually retired at 62 and chose to settle in Front Royal, appreciating the community and the quality of life at Hidden Springs. “This is a beautiful place. If you know your situation, I would tell anyone what you will do with a big house all by yourself?” he pondered.

Franklin’s days are filled with staying in touch with friends worldwide, taking walks, and enjoying simple pleasures. “I write things to people, and sometimes people want to pay me for it, but I don’t need to. I’ve got a nice retirement. And why should I take money for something I don’t need?” he said.

His story, filled with wisdom and a touch of humor, is a testament to the enduring spirit of our veterans. As the interview concluded, Franklin expressed his contentment with life at Hidden Springs. “The people are nice, the food is good, the facility is wonderful. What more could you ask for?”

Franklin Seltzer’s story is a tribute to our veterans’ resilience, service, and wisdom. His experiences remind us of the sacrifices and lessons learned by those who have served our country.

For more stories like Franklin’s, stay tuned as we continue to bring you the voices of our cherished veterans.

These owlets won’t be ‘leaving the nest’ anytime soon.

Patients 24-393/452 being raised together at BRWC. @BRWC 2024

This nestling great horned owlet was found on the ground back in early April.

The finders called for advice on how to assist the baby, and they were walked through the renesting process. They were directed to monitor the baby, including checking for fresh feces, noting attitude, and looking for parental activity.

Although alert at first, the finders noticed on their most recent check that baby was wet and looking sad. They were advised to bring the baby in for a checkup, and we are glad they did!

Patient 24-393 at intake. @BRWC 2024

Upon admission, it was clear the baby was not being cared for by parents. They were extremely thin, dehydrated, and lethargic.

After providing nutritional and fluid support, as well as heat, this little owlet perked up and began clacking, fluffing, and swaying—all appropriate defensive behaviors for this species!

Although babies being raised by their parents is always Plan A, we are glad to be available as a Plan B when reunitings do not work.

Great horned owlets being fed by puppet to avoid imprinting. @BRWC 2022

Since nestlings are highly susceptible to imprinting, we take extra precautions by wearing camouflaged suits and feeding with a species-appropriate puppet. Though these babies do not believe that the puppet is their parent, it distracts them from the hidden human.

It is also crucial for development and future survival in the wild that babies grow up with conspecifics (members of the same species).

If a baby is unable to identify themselves as a member of their own species, they will not be able to thrive and survive in the wild. Being raised with conspecifics helps to solidify this understanding of identity.

Patients 24-393/452 being raised together at BRWC. @BRWC 2024

Luckily, our friends at the Wildlife Center of Virginia and Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center each had a single owlet and were able to transfer them to us.

Did you know that most great horned owlets stay with their parents into early fall?

While most of our young birds are with us for just over a month or so, raptors (especially great horned owls) take MUCH longer to develop, mature, and become competent enough to be released back into the wild.

This is because great horned owl parents don’t necessarily teach their babies how to hunt—they simply feed them until their hunting skills become proficient enough to sustain them.

Patients 24-393/452/581 being raised together at BRWC. @BRWC 2024

In rehabilitation, we can simulate this by “hacking,” or soft-releasing our owls, where they are released out of a familiar enclosure where we continue providing food.

If they need it, they can return for sustenance while they practice out in the real world on their own. It takes time to practice the skills necessary to not only catch a live animal, but manipulate it well enough to be able to kill it too.

There are plenty of nestling and fledgling owls out this time of year. If you have any concerns about one that you see, please contact the Center before intervening so that we can help assess that animal!

In an exciting development for the Samuels Public Library community, patrons can now access ProQuest’s Fold3 and Newspapers.com databases. This enhancement, made possible by a generous $500,000 Mellon Grant awarded in March, significantly broadens the library’s digital offerings. As of June 1st, these resources are free to all library members.

New Digital Resources

Fold3 – Library Edition

Fold3 Library Edition is now accessible from any internet-connected device, offering a treasure trove of U.S. military records. This database includes stories, photos, and personal documents of American servicemen and women, providing a rich resource for history buffs, genealogists, and military researchers.

Newspapers.com – World Collection

The Newspapers.com – World Collection features full-page images with searchable text from millions of newspaper pages dating from the late 1600s to today. Users can explore extensive archives, including local, regional, and state newspapers from the United States and beyond. This vast collection is invaluable for those conducting historical research or tracing family histories.

How to Access

Patrons can easily access these databases through the library’s website, samuelslibrary.net. Users can dive into these extensive resources to uncover historical insights and personal stories at home or on the go.

About Samuels Public Library

Founded in 1799 and renamed Samuels Public Library in 1952, it is the second library in Virginia to receive a charter. The library has been a cornerstone for Front Royal and Warren County citizens for over two centuries. By December 2023, it had welcomed 1,079 new cardholders and hosted 264 in-person and virtual programs with 12,015 attendees. The library saw over 63,000 visitors throughout the fiscal year, with 200,234 checkouts recorded.

Samuels Public Library continues to evolve, enhancing its services to meet the needs of its patrons. The addition of Fold3 and Newspapers.com underscores its commitment to providing valuable resources for education and research.

For more information, visit www.samuelslibrary.net.

With only one party primary to select an opponent for Virginia U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, it appeared to be a light voting day progressing in Warren County on Primary day, Tuesday, June 18. When we arrived at the Warren County Government Center at about 1:10 p.m., there were no voters present, as indicated in the accompanying photos. Electoral staff on duty informed us that we had missed 17 voters counted through the seven-plus hours the Town Fork District election site had been open since 6 a.m.

At the Voter Registrar’s Office at the 15th Street Health & Human Services complex it wasn’t much busier with one prospective voter inquiring whether it was too late to early vote at that central location — it was, with early voting having ended Saturday, the 15th. We were also informed that in 45 calendar days set aside for early voting, which transposed into 32 actual facility open, voting days, 143 early votes had been cast.

Final numbers tallied shortly after the polls 7 p.m. closing didn’t indicate a late rush of interest here in who will challenge Virginia’s U.S. Senator Tim Kaine come November. Total ballots cast were cited at 1,346 of 31,318 registered voters in Warren County or 4.3%

Those Republican Primary unofficial totals were posted by 8 p.m., with the tally of voting minus “provisional ballots” cast that will not become officially counted or uncounted until the County Electoral Board’s canvass of the result is certified, likely by Friday. Provisional Ballots are are given to voters whose voter registration or qualifications to vote are in question, as a means to let their situation be reviewed by election officials, as opposed to an outright rejection to vote.

This is the Warren County Republican Primary count to challenge Tim Kaine in November as it stood at 8 p.m. Tuesday evening:

Hung Cao
Warren County – 69.17% – Votes 929
Statewide – 63.27% – Votes 124,492

Edward C. “Eddie” Garcia Jr.
Warren County – 7.52% – Votes 101
Statewide – 9.53% –  Votes 19,259

Jonathan W. Emord
Warren County – 8.56% – Votes 115
Statewide – 7.93% – Votes 16,043

C.L. “Chuck” Smith Jr.
Warren County – 7.59% – Votes 102
Statewide – 7.83% – Votes 16,569

Scott Thomas Parkinson
Warren County – 7.15% – Votes 96
Statewide – 9.58% – Votes 20,401

However, one would be wise not to consider this light primary turnout locally as an indicator of voter interest in the November 2024 national election. Voter interest in, if not total comfort with either side’s expected Executive Branch nominee echoing the 2020 Biden-Trump presidential race as a first 2024 debate looms, could see an overwhelming voter turnout from both sides of the political aisle as Executive and Congressional leadership for the nation is on the line.

Stay tuned, sports fans, things on the political “ballfield” locally and nationally are about to get very interesting. But that’s nothing new here, is it?

Are you struggling to keep your home cool during the summer? The Senior Cool Care Program may be able to assist. Sponsored by Dominion Energy and administered by the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), this program provides single-room air conditioners or fans to income-eligible seniors who need help cooling their homes.

You may qualify if:

• You live in Seniors First’s coverage area of Clarke, Frederick, Page, Shenandoah, Warren, or Winchester
• Your income is at or below 150% of the poverty level
• You are age 60 or older

The program runs from May 1 through October 31, 2024. Remember that fans and air conditioners are issued on a first-come, first-served basis while funding lasts.

For more information, contact Seniors First’s Information and Referral Specialist at 540-635-7141 or email info@seniorsfirst.info. Stay safe and cool this summer!