Evidence of Murder (5 page)

The two mothers shared their tragic bond. “If you don’t have family supporting you, I don’t know how you could go on,” Ada Larson said. She had lost her daughter, Sonja, in the University of Florida killings. “We have to support Jim and each other now. It’s like the light of my life is gone. What else can they do to me? They’ve taken the gut out of me already. I don’t think people who haven’t gone through this can understand.”

“She was just such a beautiful child,” Phyllis Thomas mourned. “How could this happen to her?”

Deputy Woodard recalled, “It hit me pretty hard, even though I became resigned to the fact that she probably wouldn’t be found alive. I just felt it was awful that someone took an innocent life of a person who showed so much future promise as a wife, mother and all-around good person. I never met Carla Larson, but I felt that I knew her. I saw all the family photos and heard stories told by her family of what a good daughter, wife, mother and friend she was.”

His voice softening, this man, whose career dealt with some pretty low individuals, confessed later, “I was planning to attend the memorial service, but I just couldn’t bring myself to go.”

In the area of the body discovery, Crime Scene Detective Ron Weyland set up a command post with several units, in order to collect all relevant evidence.

“Hey, wait a minute,” Weyland asked as a thought occurred. “Are we in Orange County or Osceola County?”

All activity stopped abruptly. Various members of the department expressed their opinions and comments about this unexpected consideration. Within which county’s boundaries was the body discovered? With that determination rested jurisdiction.

“We can’t do anything until that is established,” Weir stated.

In a meeting of officials from both counties, maps were consulted and the opinions of authorities sought.

In addition, an OCSD helicopter, piloted by Sergeant Ralph Glover, flew over the specified land, fixing the coordinates to establish the precise plot where the body was found.

“Come on, fellows, make up your minds,” Weir grumbled at the delay.

In a final judgment it was concluded that the dead body lay inside the boundaries of Orange County.

Weir received the news with relief. “Finally. Okay, let’s get moving,” he ordered.

With jurisdiction established, Dr. Gore ordered the body removed to the morgue for his full examination and autopsy. Also he would pursue and establish identification.

“As soon as possible, Doc?” Weir cajoled.

“Yes, Cam, we’ll get right on it,” Gore said.

With some measure of order established, Weir exchanged views with Linnert. “I don’t want to jump to a conclusion, and we’re never supposed to assume a goddamn thing, but—it’s a pretty sure bet that it’s Carla Larson.”

Weir thought about Jim Larson, wondering how he was taking the latest development. Weir also was not ready to let go of the lingering doubts he still had about this husband. The detective recalled that too frequently cases had unexpected twists. He hoped there wouldn’t be any in this one.

Linnert sighed. “If the ID has to come from dental comparison, we’ll have to wait to know for sure. But the indications are pretty strong that you’re right.”

“Either way, the investigation continues,” Weir assured him.

In the morning Detective Ron Weyland and others from his crime scene unit began a zealous reexamination of the discovery scene and its surrounds. They scoured the area, gathering anything that might be evidence, and took black-and-white and color photographs from every conceivable angle, including aerial shots of the entire vicinity. They used divers to search ponds, lakes, barrow pits and canals for Carla’s clothing, jewelry, purse, any other items of evidence, possibly even her Ford Explorer.

“We’ve searched every possible spot, Cam,” reported Weyland, “and there’s absolutely no trace of Ms. Larson’s clothes, her jewelry, her purse or her vehicle.”

“Well, we have to conclude that the Explorer, with her things in it, departed the Disney World area,” Weir replied. “I guess when all those people saw the vehicle racing onto the parkway, it just kept going. We have APBs out on it, but so far nothing.”

“Well, it’s still pretty early. Maybe you’ll hear something soon.”

“What it looks like right now is that some vicious killer evidently snatched this young woman in broad daylight during the noon hour from a busy grocery store parking lot. All she did was go into that store to buy some stuff and she paid for that with her life. At least that’s the way it looks right now. If it was a random kidnapping, she was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Weyland shrugged. “Happens all the time.”

 

 

When the mutilated female body was discovered on the Disney properties, the
Orlando Sentinel
wrote a major story, displaying pictures of Carla Ann and her husband. The story carefully stated that this body was “probably” the missing Larson woman. The article quoted Lieutenant Mike Easton of OCSD saying that the body was partly covered with leaves and branches. He did not, however, reveal or describe the brutalized condition of the victim. Easton said she had been dead for forty-eight to seventy-two hours, which time frame fit with the actual disappearance of Carla Larson.

The local and national TV and radio stations carried the story, and the national print media ran articles.

Seated at their desks at department headquarters, Weir and Linnert discussed the media coverage.

“It’s staggering, the exposure this case is getting,” Linnert remarked.

Weir nodded. “Maybe we’ll get a lead on the Explorer.”

Weir’s phone rang and interrupted them. While his partner conversed, Linnert busied himself with paperwork on his desk, but he saw a surprised expression cross Weir’s face.

Weir hung up and looked across at John. “That was a producer for
America’s Most Wanted.
They want to do the Larson case for their June twenty-eighth show. Can you believe it?”

“No fooling!” Linnert leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed behind his head. “Wow!”

“I don’t know.” Weir was dubious. “We can’t let it interfere with our investigation. I don’t want to make a gross error judgment with a case this important.”

Linnert pointed out, “But on the other hand, it could be very helpful. That show generates lots of attention on the cases they present, and they have a great record of success in helping solve some of them.”

“Guess you’re right. Anyway, they also want someone from the department to be in their studio the night of the broadcast. Neither you nor I can possibly take time from the investigation. We’ll have to send somebody else.”

“When did you say the show goes on the air?” Linnert asked.

“Saturday night, June twenty-eighth.”

“That soon?”

“That’s what they said. So what do you think, John?”

“We’ll have to send someone really good.”

“Any ideas?”

“Let me think about it for a minute.” Linnert sat quietly, deep in thought, drumming his fingers on his desk. “I know.”

“Who?”

“Tom McCann.”

McCann, a 6’2” detective, exuded confidence, experience and capability. He was with the OCSD for twenty-eight years, specializing in homicide for nineteen.

Linnert added, “McCann has a warm, friendly personality. He’ll be a great representative for our department.”

“Great choice. Let’s get him in here and explain what we need.”

When McCann arrived at the office, Cameron Weir asked him bluntly, “How’d you like to go to Washington?”

McCann looked at the detective. “The state or the capital?”

“The capital, of course.”

McCann studied the detectives, thinking,
What are these guys getting me into?

Finally he answered, “Okay, I guess. I haven’t been there for a few years. But what’s this about?”

Linnert said, “Cam and I were discussing who we should send to Washington to represent the department at the broadcast of a major television program.”

“Tom,” Weir added,
“America’s Most Wanted
is going to do the Carla Larson murder case.”

“Terrific!” McCann blurted out.

Weir and Linnert smiled at McCann’s enthusiasm.

Weir continued, “We had a call—”

“From John Walsh,” McCann interrupted. He was familiar with the program.

“No,” Weir quickly corrected. “He didn’t make the call. It was one of his producers.”

“That’s terrific,” McCann repeated. “That certainly could be helpful to us.” As a regular viewer of
America’s Most Wanted,
McCann was familiar with the great success the program racked up, with credit for capturing hundreds of profiled fugitives.

Detective Weir continued his speech. “They were following the developments of our investigation and are convinced that this is a major murder case. It has important elements that interest them. First of all, the setting of the crime is Walt Disney World, which has worldwide interest; then the victim is a beautiful young woman engineer. Few women are engineers and this gives it a certain distinction. Also they know about the tie-in to the University of Florida murders by Danny Rolling, so it all adds up to an interesting presentation for them.”

McCann asked, “What do you want me to do in Washington?”

Weir leaned back in his chair, pushing away from the desk. “The producers want a representative from our department to be there for the airing of the program, someone to be on hand to answer questions and to assist in whatever they need. John and I can’t take the time away from the investigation. So how about it?”

McCann was pleased and his satisfaction was apparent. “Sure. Be glad to. When do I go?”

“The show is scheduled to be aired on Saturday, June twenty-eighth. The producers would like to have you there early that day.”

Linnert added, “If there is anything pressing that you have, let us know and we’ll work it out.”

Tom turned his palms up. “No, no problems. I’m free to make the trip.”

“Good,” Weir said. “Transportation will have your flight tickets ready for you on Thursday, and you’re all set.”

McCann asked, “Are there any special instructions? Anything that you want me to do?”

“Nothing that we know of. You’ve been with the department long enough to know what’s expected. Of course, if anything comes up that you feel you need some help from us, don’t hesitate to call.”

McCann nodded. “Okay, will do.” He shook hands with the two detectives, who wished him a great trip, and he left, already thinking of possible suggestions he might make to the producers, should he be asked.

Detective Weir made arrangements for the sheriff’s department to cooperate with the producers of
America’s Most Wanted
and help in any way needed. They supplied information and guided the crews to the various places in the area that were involved in the case. The department was eager to help the TV people produce an accurate presentation, and they released information, including descriptions of Carla’s missing jewelry.

 

 

Even before the
America’s Most Wanted
TV broadcast, hundreds of responses, tips and reactions came pouring in as a result of the local and national stories, overwhelming the investigators.

Weir said, “Well, John, you got your wish. Now come the follow-ups.”

“Yeah. Who said, ‘Be careful what you wish for’?” Linnert answered.

The two detectives worked around the clock, dealing with the seemingly endless calls. The callers provided leads, tips and information, including various sightings of the Ford Explorer, all of which they followed through, but with no success.

The composite drawing of the possible suspect made by the department artist from the eyewitnesses’ accounts was released and shown in daily and weekly newspapers, as well as broadcast on a number of TV stations.

As a result, a man called a local TV show,
Crime Line,
which asked the public for help in solving crimes by phoning in tips and receiving a reward. Brad Wilson, the caller, surprised the producers of the show, saying, “That drawing is inaccurate.”

At his headquarters desk, Detective Weir learned that one of the
Crime Line
operators wanted to speak to him. She said, “A Mr. Brad Wilson of Centex Rooney has some information and is anxious to talk with you.”

The two detectives discussed Brad Wilson’s call to
Crime Line.

“He claims that the drawing that’s running now is inaccurate?” asked Linnert.

Weir nodded. “That’s what he told them at
Crime Line.
If this guy knows something, we have to talk to him.”

“Absolutely. I’ll make the arrangements.”

The detectives arranged to meet with Wilson at work at Centex Rooney and made the trip out to the site on Disney World property.

After introductions Weir stated, “Mr. Wilson, I understand you called
Crime Line
with some information about the artist’s drawing being circulated.”

“That’s right. It’s not accurate,” he stated in a voice of absolute certainty, and then added, “I can provide the artist with a more detailed drawing to help you catch the guy. I saw the man in the white Explorer and can describe him.”

The detectives were impressed with Wilson’s confident manner. They learned that he worked with Carla Larson with whom he had a great, friendly relationship. It was evident that he was upset about Carla’s fate, and that was the reason he was anxious to pitch in to help.

Weir and Linnert arranged for Wilson to meet with Detective Steve Fusco, the department artist, who would create a new drawing.

After Brad spent time with the artist, Weir and Linnert met with him at the OCSD office in the Cassidy Building.

“Mr. Wilson, how did the drawing session go?” Cam Weir asked.

“I think that it went great. The artist will give you his report. I think he did a super job. The drawing is definitely more accurate and should better help to identify that guy.”

“Great. Now I’d appreciate it if you would give us a detailed review of what you witnessed or know,” Weir said.

Wilson answered in his clear, confident voice. “It was that day, the tenth of June, and a group of us Centex fellows were returning to the job, you know, the Coronado Springs Resort. It was about one o’clock. I was with Gary Wilson.” He smiled and then explained. “My Dad. He works for Centex Rooney, too. Also David Lewis and Dave Gust. We were on Osceola Parkway, going west, crossing the I-4 bridge. That’s when we saw this white Ford Explorer coming out of the woods.” He emphasized, “I don’t think we would have been so observant about the vehicle, but it came racing out of the woods and it struck all of us that the driver belting that car that way was asking for trouble, that he should get a ticket.” Brad paused and then said, “It was more than just plain speeding; the conditions of the road were terrible, and to drive that fast under such conditions just made no sense. We all commented about it.”