Oregon Authorities Identify Cold Case Victim Linked to Serial Killer

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The quiet highway in Oregon, site of a cold case investigation

News Summary

Oregon has identified a victim from a nearly 45-year-old cold case, connecting him to Randy Kraft, known as the ‘Scorecard Killer.’ Larry Eugene Parks was discovered dead in 1980, initially a John Doe. Recent forensic advancements have confirmed his identity, offering closure to his family. Kraft, already convicted for multiple murders, remains under investigation as authorities seek to link him to more victims. The case underscores the evolving methods in forensic science and the enduring impact of cold cases on communities.

Oregon Authorities Identify Cold Case Victim Linked to Notorious Serial Killer

Oregon has identified a victim from a nearly 45-year-old cold case, connecting him to the infamous serial killer Randy Kraft, known as the “Scorecard Killer.” The victim, Larry Eugene Parks, was found dead along Interstate 5 in Oregon on July 18, 1980, and was initially classified as a John Doe. Authorities recently confirmed his identity as the investigation into Kraft continues.

The Oregon State Police revealed that 80-year-old Randy Kraft, who has been serving a life sentence at San Quentin State Prison since his 1989 conviction for murdering 16 men, is the sole suspect in the case. Kraft has consistently maintained his innocence, denying any involvement in the killings.

The investigation of Larry Parks began in 1980 after his remains were discovered. Despite initial efforts, authorities could not identify the body, triggering a homicide investigation. It was not until 2024 that a breakthrough occurred when an investigator from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department reached out to the Oregon State Police Cold Case Unit for assistance in identifying Parks. Utilizing forensic genealogy techniques, a genetic profile was constructed from a blood sample recovered from the crime scene.

Identifying Larry Eugene Parks

Parks’ identity was confirmed when potential relatives provided DNA samples for comparison, leading to a positive match. This significant development finally provided answers to his family, who had lost contact with him in 1979. Parks, a Vietnam War veteran, was last seen in Pensacola, Florida, prior to his disappearance.

The cases linked to Kraft date back to incidents involving young men who disappeared across California, Oregon, and Michigan. In fact, in 1983, Kraft was pulled over by police for erratic driving, uncovering a deceased U.S. Marine in his passenger seat alongside a coded list believed to document 67 potential victims. Prosecutors have described Kraft as a fetishist, indicating that he preserved dismembered parts of victims in his refrigerator.

Further Investigations and Additional Evidence

As investigators delve deeper into the evidence surrounding Parks’ murder, they are processing additional data to draw clearer connections between his death and Randy Kraft. The forensic genealogy methods that played a crucial role in identifying Parks have also led to other victims associated with Kraft. In 2023, the remains of a teenager believed to be another victim were successfully identified using similar techniques.

This recent development brings renewed attention to a series of brutal killings that have shocked communities for decades. The ongoing investigation into Kraft’s extensive criminal history continues to unfold as authorities strive to bring closure to the families of his victims.

A Legacy of Crime

Randy Kraft, whose notorious activities in the late 1970s and early 1980s resulted in numerous murders, remains a prominent figure in California’s criminal history. His case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in solving cold cases but also demonstrates the advancements in forensic science that can help provide answers after many years. As the investigation into the link between Kraft and Parks’ death evolves, it stands as a reminder of the lasting impact of his crimes on society.

While the identification of Larry Eugene Parks offers one family’s long-awaited answers, the quest for justice continues for many others whose loved ones remain missing or unidentified, reflecting the ongoing implications of cold cases in the realm of criminal justice.