1971-07-13

http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/a...en-as-walking-homicide-assault-suspect-s.html

Three survivors from Stuart's murder and rape spree in 1971

Janet Lee Blanchard, 32- Stuart picked her up in Freeport and they went to his trailer in Brazoria. She fell asleep and awoke with her arms tied and Stuart on top of her; he choked her. Blanchard escaped, making it to a neighbor's house and called police, who arrested Stuart at his home.

The conviction for the aggravated rape of Paula Moore in Amarillo resulted in a 99-year sentence. Because of a judicial error, the charge was reduced to rape, for which Stuart got a 15-year sentence.

July 13, 1971: arrested for the murder of Linda Kay Simmons; body found in a pasture outside Amarillo. Investigators could not prove he killed her.

less than a week after his release, Stuart gave a ride to Kay Sands. Her body turned up in a field, bludgeoned and choked. Stuart was charged Aug. 6, 1971, with her murder.

While out on bond, Stuart picked up a dancer named Neila Wisely. When she got off work, her car's tires were flattened and Stuart was waiting to give her a ride home. Stuart drove her to a desolate area, choked her until she passed out, then revived her. Wisely struggled, and kicked him through the windshield, allowing her to get away. (((How did he know which car was hers?))) She lived but did not want to testify against him.

Two days later, Stuart visited the home of 19-year-old Debra Morrow; he slammed her to the floor without warning, hit her in the head and then choked her into unconsciousness. She lived but did not want to testify.

He was known to drive a small, light-blue station wagon.