DECEMBER 25, 1971: On Christmas day, two brothers went to McHugh Creek, along Turnagain Arm south of Anchorage, to shoot photos. After days of blizzards and sub-zero temperatures, they were glad to be out of the house in balmy 40 degree weather. As he edged toward a waterfall for a classic shot, Dennis Lawler spied what looked like a mannequin, dropped at an odd angle and partially covered with snow. He craned his neck forward to get a better look. His discovery was a body: A young woman, nude from the waist down, a soft cover of downy snowflakes across her exposed thighs.
At the crime scene, troopers found a woman who seemed to match their missing persons report: Young, fair complexion, long blonde hair. Her wrists were tied behind her back with speaker wire. It appeared as though she had been sexually assaulted: her blue jeans were nowhere to be found. Also missing were her green, down-filled parka and rubber soled hiking boots; she had literally been stripped of all protection against the elements. MORE>>>
