How investigators solved 1991 cold case murder in California
A 64-year-old man has been arrested in connection with an unsolved 1991 murder that shook Northern California 35 years ago.
The Placer County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday a major development in the case of the 1991 kidnapping and murder of Cindy Wanner, confirming that 64-year-old James Lawhead Jr. was arrested by authorities in Bullhead City, Arizona, on Friday.
Wanner was 35 when she disappeared from her home in Granite Bay, California, on November 25, 1991. Her 11-month-old baby was found abandoned in her high chair at home. Wanner’s car and coat were still at the house.
Placer County Sheriff’s Office – PHOTO: A 64-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the unsolved 1991 murder that shook Northern California 35 years ago, authorities said.
Wanner’s body was found three weeks later, strangled to death, in a remote area outside Foresthill, about 40 miles from her home.
Thanks to advanced DNA analysis and testing, Lawhead Jr. was identified by investigators as the suspect, authorities said. He was 30 at the time of the crime and had been released from prison in early 1991 after serving 11 years of a 19-year sentence for sexual offenses involving a child.
He appeared to have completely disappeared with no official documentation of his whereabouts since 2005. It was revealed that Lawhead Jr. was living in Arizona under a new identity as Vincent Reynolds.
In connection with this discovery, Lawhead Jr.’s sister, Terry Lawhead Steele, 71, was arrested on accessory charges in South Carolina on Saturday.
“Although Steele had spoken with law enforcement several times over the years, including our detectives several weeks ago, and claimed he had not heard from his brother in over 20 years, investigators discovered James Lawhead was living in a home of his own,” the Placer County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “The evidence also showed that the two remained in contact.”
Detectives executed a search warrant at his home in San Clemente, California, on Sunday as part of the investigation.
“This is one of the most notorious and heinous unsolved cases we have faced in Placer County. We have never given up on our pursuit of justice for Cindy and her family, we hope this is a small step in the healing process,” said Placer County Sheriff Wayne Woo. “This breakthrough and arrest reflects our office’s commitment to solving cases, which is why we wear the badge and oath to serve. Our work is not done. James Lawhead will be brought back to Placer County where he will answer to charges related to this crime.”
Placer County Sheriff’s Department – PHOTO: A 64-year-old man has been arrested in connection with an unsolved 1991 murder that shook Northern California 35 years ago, according to authorities.
Lawhead Jr. He is currently being held in Arizona and will be extradited to Placer County to face charges. Detectives are also investigating the possibility that Lawhead Jr. may be responsible for other crimes. It’s unclear whether Lawhead Jr. has retained an attorney.
“This arrest is a powerful reminder that time does not eliminate responsibility or diminish our commitment,” said Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire. “Unclosed cases are not forgotten cases; they remain urgent, they remain personal, and they remain a promise we intend to keep.”
“Even if the road is long and difficult, there is hope. We will continue this work determined and unwavering because you deserve answers, you deserve justice, and you deserve to know that you will never be forgotten,” Gire said.
