An Introduction to Case 72-0173
SYNOPSIS/DESCRIPTION:
Joyce LePage’s murder has remained unsolved since 1972. This documentary will organize the information known regarding her case. It will present new information found in the last five years.
WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE CASE:
Joyce LePage disappeared from the WSU campus in Pullman, WA, in 1971. Her body was found in a creek bed at the base of Wawawai Canyon. Her remains, presenting as only bones, were wrapped in a carpet cut out from Stevens Hall in a room under construction next to her apartment. LePage was 1l3lbs, 69inches, and 21 years old when she disappeared. Forensic evidence was minimal and inconclusive upon modern-day DNA testing. According to the FBI forensic analysis, LePage’s skeletal remains featured markings relating to possible stab wounds on her ribs. Her bones were not all found in the wrapped carpet as animals and decomposition shifted and moved her remains. There have been many suspects over the years, including Ted Bundy. However, it is believed that the number one suspect was someone close to her and possibly attended WSU or was familiar with the WSU campus. I cannot provide names or specific information until approval from the Sheriff monitoring the case. LePage’s father pursued her case until his death many years later. Bruce LePage, her brother, resides in Pasco, WA, and has continued the pursuit his father left behind.
WHAT INFORMATION IS STILL UNKNOWN?
Missing Digital Records: There are missing audio files taken during the interviews with each suspect. Transcriptions are in the cold case file; evidence and profiling can be further taken from these audio files.
DNA Evidence: Potential evidence could be found on the carpet. However, with the caked mud and debris from the marshy ground her remains were left, it is hard to take samples.
Connections to Ted Bundy: Though he could potentially be a suspect due to his notorious crimes in Washington State, no conclusive evidence would have placed him in Whitman County in 1971. His first reported murder took place in 1973. It is believed he began his murder spree long before that. It was not his M/O to stab and wrap victims in carpeting. Additionally, the canyon where her remains were found in the only location a local familiar enough with the town could reach.
Matter and Location of Death: It is believed that she was stabbed. However, no blood was found where the carpet was taken. Meaning she was either murdered somewhere else or was not stabbed.
CONFIRMED INTERVIEW SUBJECT(s): Who will be interviewed? Who will be featured onscreen?
Bruce LePage:
The brother of the victim that has donated time, effort, and money to solving the case. He has since placed a $100,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible. He resides in Pasco, WA, and retired after running the family farm just outside the city. He lived in the Rogers Hall dorms at WSU. Bruce was in his freshman year when Joyce was murdered. The two shared a car, a light blue 1966 Dodge Coronet, which was found blocks away from the last location where Joyce was seen.
Whitman County Sheriff - Bret Myers:
Sheriff Myers took on the job in 2003 and immediately began researching and investigating the case. Keeping her cold case file in his office, Sheriff Myers has made head-waves in the case going as far as calling FBI to reach out to persons of interests in Florida. Myers was the one to move DNA to be tested and has investigated the crime scenes. Myers is still pursuing the case with efforts of investigating the main suspect. He compiled the thousands of pages of information from the case to a summary of events along with maps, timelines, and interviews. A paper trail of documents from conversations with the family and numerous ex-wives of the main suspect are found in her file.
POTENTIAL INTERVIEWEES:
John Henry Brown: The defense attorney in Washington State that defended Ted Bundy throughout the 1970s and 80s. He personally knew Bundy and his outings. Claims that it is almost certain that Bundy was responsible for LePage’s murder. Has met and talked to Brett Myers on numerous occasions to follow up on presiding information and search for a verified paper trail of Bundy’s locations throughout the 70s.
Frank Harrel - FBI Spokane Special Agent: The agent responsible for the handling of Joyce LePage’s case after jurisdiction shifted. Information still missing from the case file after it was sent to the FBI is currently being searched for by Brett Myers.
IMAGES AND REFERENCE INFORMATION:
SHOOTING PLAN: When are you shooting? What locations? What kind of B-Roll will accompany the interview(s)?
Intentions to begin hiking the canyon area for B-roll shots begin over an upcoming weekend. The opening shot and compiling of news reports and stories are in the process for the intro shot. B-roll shots of the campus with a tour from Bruce LePage begin next week. Slow crab shots and information from newspapers in the local areas are planned for the next week. Pending confirmation to film in the Sheriff's office should receive approval this week.