A chilling confession from a notorious serial killer has finally solved a decades-old murder mystery, bringing closure to a grieving family and new hope for justice in other unsolved cases.
At a Glance
- William Lester Suff, a convicted serial killer on death row, confessed to the 1986 murder of 19-year-old Cathy Small
- DNA evidence linked Suff to the cold case in 2020, leading to his confession in 2022
- Small’s body was found in South Pasadena, CA, with multiple stab wounds and signs of strangulation
- The confession brings closure to Small’s family and may lead to solving other unsolved cases
A Cold Case Cracked
In a stunning development that has rocked the law enforcement community and brought long-awaited answers to a grieving family, William Lester Suff, a 70-year-old convicted serial killer already on death row for a dozen murders in Southern California, has confessed to the 1986 killing of 19-year-old Cathy Small. This breakthrough has not only closed a nearly four-decade-old cold case but has also ignited hope for solving other unsolved murders in the region.
The case of Cathy Small, a young mother of two trying to turn her life around, had baffled investigators for years. Her body was discovered on February 22, 1986, in South Pasadena, California, wearing only a nightgown and bearing the brutal marks of multiple stab wounds and strangulation. For decades, her murder remained a haunting mystery, leaving her family without closure and justice seemingly out of reach.
The Power of Persistence and Technology
The breakthrough in this cold case came through a combination of relentless detective work and advancements in DNA technology. In 2020, DNA analysis linked the case to Suff, setting the stage for his eventual confession. This development underscores the importance of never giving up on unsolved cases and the critical role that scientific advancements play in bringing criminals to justice.
“We believe we’re bringing a sense of long overdue justice and closure to the victim and her family,” L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna said at Tuesday’s press conference.
The confession of Suff, obtained during a seven-hour interview at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Men’s Central Jail in May 2022, provided chilling details about Small’s murder and shed light on other killings in Riverside County. This development not only brings closure to Small’s case but also opens up new avenues for investigators working on other unsolved murders in the area.
A Family’s Long-Awaited Closure
For Small’s family, the confession brings a bittersweet mix of relief and renewed grief. Her sister, Deana Larson, expressed both gratitude for the resolution and the enduring pain of loss in a heartfelt statement read at the press conference.
“My sister, Cathy Small, was not a statistic,” Deana Larson, Small’s younger sister, wrote in a letter read at the press conference by Thomas. “She was a protector, a big sister, a loving mother and a good daughter. She had a big heart and would do anything for anyone. … –
This case serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of never giving up on seeking justice for victims and their families. It also highlights the ongoing need for support and resources in solving cold cases, as every solved case brings closure to families and helps ensure that dangerous criminals are held accountable for their actions.
The Path Forward
While Suff is not expected to face trial for Small’s murder due to his current death row status, the confession provides a sense of resolution and may lead to progress in other unsolved cases. Law enforcement agencies are now revisiting cold cases with renewed vigor, hoping that this breakthrough might unlock new leads and bring justice to more victims and their families.
As we reflect on this case, it’s crucial to remember the victims and their families who have suffered for so long. Their perseverance and the tireless efforts of law enforcement serve as a testament to the enduring pursuit of justice in our society. May this resolution bring some measure of peace to Cathy Small’s loved ones and hope to others still waiting for answers in their own unsolved cases.
