Laura Lollie Winans

Found Murdered

Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park

About Laura Lollie Winans's case

Laura Winans was last seen on May 24, 1996. She was hiking with her partner, Julianne Williams, and her golden retriever, Taj. At some point, Taj was located wandering the woods – alone. On June 1, 1996 both Julianne’s and Laura’s bodies were found; they were murdered. A year later, a man by the name of Darrell David Rice of Columbia, Maryland was reported being an enraged driver who tried to run a female cyclists off the road. He was convicted of attempted abduction. Rice was later placed in Shenandoah at the time Julie and Laura were vacationing in the National Park. They accused him of murdering the two girls due to being homophobic, which Rice denied. Rice was indicted of murder in 2001; but the case fell through in 2004 due to the lack of forensic evidence.

Personal Characteristics

Age / Ethnicity

Gender / Hair / Eyes

Distinguishing Marks

Not Available

Profession / Education

Not Available

Height / Weight

Activity

Not Available

Points of Interest

POIs

Skyland Resort

Last Known Location

No Linked Place(s)

Half a Mile from Skyland Resort, at their Campsite

Body Found

No Linked Place(s)

Investigative Details

Potential Dangerous Area Due to the investigative status of this case, Missing NPF cautions visitors of the connected Place(s) and Places of Interests (POIs).

Foul Play Suspected: Yes
Resolution: Not Yet Updated
Suicide Suspected: No
Cause of Death: Murder - Stabbing

Significant Dates

Reported Missing: Friday, May 31, 1996 (28 years ago)
Date Found: Saturday, June 1, 1996 (28 years ago)

Entities

Virginia State Police

Local Law Enforcement

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

Federal Law Enforcement

National Park Service Law Enforcement Rangers

Federal Law Enforcement

Administrative Details

Monday, January 8, 2024 (4 months ago)

Missing NPF Public Identification Number (MPID) 10039

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