February 17, 1974. Benbrook, Texas. Valentine’s Day had come on Thursday that year, and for the students of Western Hills High School, the traditional rituals of young love were honored and observed as usual. Chocolates, roses, love notes, all the usual accoutrements of high school romance were in play. And of course, there was a dance. The Valentine’s Dance would be held on Saturday, February 16th. And if there was a belle of the ball, that honor surely had to go to Carla Walker, a 17-year-old junior cheerleader who, of course, would be attending with her date, the quarterback of the football team, naturally, Rodney McCoy. But as the dance let out and the young couple parked behind the Ridgelea Bowling Alley to steal a little more time together, their tryst would be interrupted by a stranger, who would pistol whip Rodney and abduct Carla Walker, whose body would be found three days later, though her killer would remain free for over 45 years.
Episode Notes:
Texas Monthly Article – Skip Hollandsworth
Fort Worth Star-Telegram Article – Body Found
Kneeland Suspect in Walker Slaying – FW Star-Telegram
McCurley Arrest – FW Star Telegram
Dateline NBC Report – After the Dance
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