It was 1982, and I was just six years old. That summer, Waco was consumed by fear and fascination. The Lake Waco Murders had shaken our small Texas town to its core.
Three teenagers—Jill Montgomery, Raylene Rice, and Kenneth Franks—were found brutally murdered near Speegleville Park. Their deaths stunned everyone. Parents kept their children close. Strangers eyed each other with suspicion.
A Babysitter With a Dark Fascination
At the time, I had a babysitter who was endlessly intrigued by death and crime. She talked about the murders constantly. Her idea of fun? Driving us through cemeteries while telling ghost stories.
Her obsession may have been a little odd, but it planted a seed. I was a wide-eyed kid soaking in every detail, even if I didn’t fully understand it.
Twists, Turns, and Endless Questions
Eventually, David Wayne Spence was convicted for the murders. But controversy still surrounds the case. Some believe he was innocent. Others think he got what he deserved.
Regardless of which side you’re on, the story is full of twists, mystery, and courtroom drama. It was a lot for a six-year-old mind to handle—but I never forgot it.
A Chilling Coincidence
A couple of years later, things got even stranger. My babysitter’s next-door neighbor was murdered. It became another headline-grabbing case.
Serial confessor Henry Lee Lucas claimed responsibility—but that was quickly debunked. The confession was tossed out by none other than Vic Feazell, the same DA who handled the Lake Waco case.
Talk about eerie connections.
Where My True Crime Journey Began
Looking back, I know those two cases changed me. They ignited my curiosity and love for true crime. I’ve been hooked ever since.
Now, I share my passion through storytelling—and if you love Southern crime stories as much as I do, you’ll want to check out my other blog, Southern Bred Crime Junkie. It’s packed with down-South twists, small-town mysteries, and stories that stay with you.
Related: My Favorite True Crime YouTubers to Watch on Repeat
Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.