Crime Junkie
Crime Junkie
"It's a testament to time, tenacity and technology proving once again that justice can never come too late." — Britt
"The pursuit of justice for brutal, unsolved murders can span decades, requiring persistent investigation and the evolution of forensic science to overcome significant challenges." — StrawberryData Intelligence Engine
"He says, 'They weren't my girls.'" — Thomas Luther (as recounted by host)
This episode of Crime Junkie recounts the complex and prolonged investigation into the murders of Barbara Oberholzer and Annette Schnee, which occurred on the same night in January 1982 in Colorado. Barbara Oberholzer, a newly promoted office manager, disappeared after celebrating with colleagues and attempting to hitchhike home. Her body was discovered days later near Hoosier Pass, having suffered fatal gunshot wounds and subsequent hypothermia. Annette Schnee, a hotel maid, also vanished on the same evening and her body was found months later in a creek, having also been shot. Initial investigations were hampered by difficult weather conditions, the limited scope of forensic capabilities at the time, and the disappearance of crucial evidence.
Over the years, numerous leads were pursued, including initial suspicions around Barbara's husband, Jeff Oberholzer, and later, a convicted rapist named Thomas Luther. However, these avenues yielded no definitive evidence or confessions. The breakthrough in the case came decades later with the advancements in DNA technology. A male DNA profile recovered from Barbara's bloody glove, initially believed to be the perpetrator, was eventually matched to Allen Lee Phillips through genetic genealogy in 2021. Phillips had inadvertently crossed paths with law enforcement on the night of the murders when his truck became stuck in the snow in the same area, but was rescued by a sheriff who happened to be flying overhead.
The arrest of Allen Lee Phillips in February 2021, nearly 40 years after the murders, provided a sense of closure for the victims' families. The episode highlights the critical role of persistent investigation, technological innovation, and the dedication of law enforcement in solving long-dormant cases, demonstrating how modern forensic techniques can finally bring perpetrators to justice.