The Citgo Crime-Charleston, SC
OCTOBER 17-19, 1996:
On October 19, 1996, at 4:07 am, the lifeless body of a 61-year-old Citgo service station cashier was discovered in the Citgo’s storage room by a Charleston, S.C. City Police Department (CPD) officer. The victim, an elderly white woman, had been brutally murdered. The crime scene investigation by CPD and Charleston County Emergency Medical Services (CCEMS), who arrived at “4:18 a.m.”, reveals how long the victim may have actually been deceased; the victim’s post-mortem temperature had dropped from normal to a chilling “95º”, her pupils were dilated, and she had lost over “2,000 cc’s of blood” (40% of the blood in her system).
Pupils were fixed & dilated. The “death chill” (algor mortis) is when the body temperature falls at a steady rate of 1.5 degrees F per hour. Her temperature was 95 degrees at 4:18am, which does not indicate that it just happened within the hour. More like a matter of 2 hours.
CPD Officers diligently investigated and found less than $400 missing from the store’s safe, with the last entry on the cash register at “3:48 a.m.”. It appeared to be a clear case of murder and armed robbery. However, the forensic evidence at the scene didn’t align with the initial findings, leaving officers baffled and without substantial leads, and unclear of how to proceed.
Initially, the investigation was to question employees of the Citgo station. The murder took place on either the evening of the 18th or sometime after midnight the 19th of October 1996. In order to understand the sequence of events and the turn to the wrongful conviction, you will need to read through the timeline first.
Shifting Witness Testimonies
From Initial Investigation to the Arrest
| NAME | INITIAL INVESTIGATION B4 LGH | NAME | INVESTIGATION AFTER LGH |
| TERRI H | 10/18/1996 Report called in 9:45 pm, police arrived 9:50 pm – Report finished 9:59 pm | TERRI H | 08/05/1998 Finished work at 10 pm – did not LEAVE the CITGO until around midnight to finish up the police report paperwork |
| TERRI H | 10/18/1996 Report stated suspect Damien G had short ——– hair (This was whited out later and replaced with “pressed”) | Did not testify at trial | |
| TERRI H | 10/18/1996 Report Subject #1 had —————— hair. (This was also whited out later and replaced with “Short Pressed Hair” | ||
| TERRI H | 10/20/1996 Showed a picture of Damien G- she said he wore his hair with extensions | TERRI H | 08/05/1998 Damien G had processed slicked back hair–DOES NOT recall Damien G wearing dreadlocks or extensions |
| TERRI H | 10/20/1996 Knew Damien G was a friend of Thomas J’s (coworker fired 10/17/1996) | TERRI H | 08/05/1998 Knew Damien G was a customer of Citgo and roommate of another employee |
| THOMAS J | 10/21/1996 Stated last day of work 10/17/1996 | Did not testify at trial | |
| THOMAS J | 10/21/1996- Stated he spotted a Gray Pontiac Lemans parked out back on 10/17/1996. Told BJW – called in police/car gone by the time of arrival | THOMAS J | 06/12/1998 – A suspicious black male entered the store right before Thomas J was going to leave on 10/17/1996. B/M did not buy anything before leaving, Thomas J saw B/M in car behind CITGO. BJW went out and told B/M to leave. Thomas J followed B/M around and back to the CITGO. Says Thomas J called BJW to warn her. Says he gave police a description of B/M and car he drove. |
| THOMAS J | 10/21/1996 Damien G not a roommate but did come by CITGO to see Thomas J on 10/17/1996 | THOMAS J | 06/12/1998 – Damien G never wore dreadlocks or extensions. Damien G is currently now a roommate of Thomas J |
| THOMAS J | 10/21/1996 Thomas J and his roommate Ron M who was his alibi check out However, they check out for the date of 10/17/1996—NEVER questioned where he was on 10/18-10/19/1996 | THOMAS J | 06/12/1998 – Says Police never asked him to identify LGH or showed him pictures to see if that was the B/M he saw. However, he could not give investigator description now but the B/M did not have dreadlocks or extensions. |
| DAMIEN G | 10/24/1996 – Went to CITGO 10/18/1996 2X last time there around 10pm with his cousin Lvorne S all night. Checked Lvorne S and she made same statement. | DAMIEN G | 06/19/1998 – Basically same statement |
| DAMIEN G | 10/18/1996 Police Report-86 4 door Chevy, Blue in Color | DAMIEN G | 06/19/1998 – 86 Chevy Celebrity, blue in color |
| DAMIEN G | 10/24/1996 – Had green hair extensions in Page-Boy style. Not dreadlocks/extensions. | DAMIEN G | 06/19/1998 – Went to hair salon had hair braided w/extensions. Hair was short and flat according to Damien G. |
| DAMIEN G | 10/24/1996 – While at police station, Damien G’s mother came in to have Damien G. arrested for check forgery. Damien G was arrested and placed in county jail. RELEASED-forged 2 more checks on 11/7-11/12/1996. CASE WAS DISMISSED ON 12/11/1996 | DAMIEN G | 06/19/1998 – Thomas J gave him the stolen credit card. Damien G was a usual customer about 3X per week. NEVER charged for using the stolen credit card. |
| Did not testify at trial | |||
| GLENDA F | 10/19/1996-4 AM Glenda F and boyfriend Matthew needed cigarettes. Went to CITGO. Glenda F employee of CITGO but at a different location. | GLENDA F | 10/1998 – Trial, at store 3:30 am talked a bit with BJW bought some items |
| GLENDA F | 10/19/1996- Glenda F saw a little red pick up truck facing back of store parked on R/side with 3 W/M in the truck, cramped in. | GLENDA F | 10/1998 – Saw a red pick up truck. Not a blue pick up truck. |
| GLENDA F | 10/19/1996 – Glenda F and boyfriend went to door, BJW came from cooler to unlock R/door 10/22/1996 Glenda F saw BJW come out of cooler, unlocked door R/Side, W/M followed in behind her. | GLENDA F | NOTE: Glenda F could not have witnessed BJW coming from the cooler, to unlock the door. BJW’s last customer was Christopher F and another person right behind him at 3:28 pm (closer to 3:30 pm as this was the second 3:28 pm purchase). By the time the man walked out of the store, if BJW locked the door behind him, Glenda F would have been up to the door wanting to get in to make a purchase that occured 1 minute later. That’s awfully fast to come into a locked door, purchase cigarettes, ice, and condoms, and have BJW in the cooler with the doors locked. Time period does not fit scenario. |
| GLENDA F | 10/19/1996 – I talked to BJW and when I made my purchase, I had opened the package and threw one of the boxes in the trash. | GLENDA F | If Glenda F’s second purchase at 3:32 am and the W/M behind her — then who was on the phone at 3:32 am with BJW according to coroners information. |
| GLENDA F | 10/19/1996 – One of the W/M was behind me in line, I guessed he was getting cigarettes – nothing was in his hands. | GLENDA F | 10/1998 Did not see any black man at the store purchasing a 6 pack of michelob or gas. |
| GLENDA F | 10/19/1996 – Glenda F bought 2 packs Salem, Ice and box of condoms. When her boyfriend walked out, she told BJW to ring up another pack of condoms. 10/22/1996 bought Salems and some items. Then purchased another item after that purchase. | The Coroners Report also mentions that BJW was talking to a friend at 3:32 am on 10/19/1996 | |
| GLENDA F | 10/19/1996 – It was about 4 am that I was at the CITGO. Doesn’t know Thomas Jefferson but knows his friends. 10/22/1996 At about 3:30 am went to CITGO for cigarettes. | GLENDA F | NOTE: Glenda F has a history of DUI, Larceny, Theft, Fraud, Stolen CC, Petty Theft, Burglary. |
| STEPHANIE W | 10/19/1996 – 1:26 pm Drove by her grandmother (BJW) CITGO at about 3:30 am after her and her boy friend went to the “Juke Box” for the night. Stopped at corner by lights right outside CITGO. Saw a full size red or burgundy truck facing rear of store on R/side of store. | Did not testify at trial | |
| STEPHANIE W | 10/19/1996 – Saw a B/M with dreads or braids and black pants and black sweatpants on up by door waiting to be let in. 10/20/1996 Not sure but leaning more towards a maroon colored truck | STEPHANIE W | 08/05/1998 – Cannot identify the man with the dreadlocks |
| STEPHANIE W | 10/19/1996 – drove home to her apartment and saw bank clock with the time 3:48 am. Takes 6 minutes without stoplights to get from CITGO to her home. She would have been at stop lights by CITGO no later than 3:42 am | 05/22/1997 – Colette B., Post and Courier Investigative Reporter. was working case since beginning-stated CPD considered Stephanie Wilson as a suspect in the beginning. | |
| STEPHANIE W | 10/19/1996 – grandmother called last night (10/18/1996) but they weren’t home. | STEPHANIE W | Per Pamela W, BJW’s daughter, BJW called their house prior to her shift starting and left a messagae on machine about 9-10 pm 10/18/1996 |
| STEPHANIE W | 10/19/1996 – believes her grandmother carried a gun in her purse as she was robbed once before. | STEPHANIE W | Per Stephanie W’s mother, Pamela, BJW carried a .38 in her purse. Was this stolen from her purse and used to kill BJW with? |
| CHARLES B | 10/19/1996 – Claimed to have went to CITGO station at 3:50 am | ||
| CHARLES B | 10/19/1996 – Called 911 from hospital where CB drove to after the CITGO stop. Time called approx.4:21 am Officers dispatched to hospital as caller did not leave name or where he was calling from – 911 traced call number. | ||
| CHARLES B | 10/19/1996 – 4:21pm Officers found Charles B in hospital. Charles B stated he went into CITGO at 3:50 am to buy a pack of gum. Saw a ladies purse on counter and yelled out “Is anyone here” after there was no answer he put back the pack of gum and left the store and drove directly to hospital. It was 10 minutes later after arrival to hospital that Charles B came back to the lobby to place the call to 911 | CHARLES B | Note: CB Timeline: Arrived CITGO 3:50 am – Left CITGO 3:51 am – Takes 8 min. to get to hospital 3:59 am – Arrive up on 2nd floor ICU noticed wife and mother sleeping, went back down to lobby to call police 4:21 pm. CB stated it was about 10 minutes before he called police. It was actually 20 minutes. Where is the extra 10 minutes of discrepancy spent at? |
| CHARLES B | 10/19/1996 – 5:30 am statement to Det. Stelling. On his way to hospital to see mother in ICU at 3-3:30 am, stopped at CITGO for spearmint gum and mints. Yelled ‘anyone here’ no one answered, saw wallet on counter, put gum and mints back and left store. | ||
| CHARLES B | 10/19/1996 – 5:30 am Went straight to hospital ICU saw wife and mother sleeping, went down to lobby to call 911 about CITGO. He uses gas station a lot but not this time of night. Cannot pinpoint exact time as his insulin shots are off due to his mothers hospitalization. | CHARLES B | Note: Why stop at a CITGO to buy gum and mints. They have vending machines at hospital. Also, he is a diabetic taking insulin shots-you don’t buy spearmint gum and mints that are full of sugar. |
| CHARLES B | 10/19/1996 – Stelling statement states, Charles B at hospital all day, left hospital to go home – then home to CITGO to buy gum and mints. Noticed things out of place and left to go back to hospital. Went to ICU then 10 minutes later called police 911. | CHARLES B | Did not testify at trial |
| CHRISTOPHER F | HE NEVER GAVE A STATEMENT OR WENT TO THE CPD REGARDING ANYTHING AT THE CITGO EVEN AFTER THE MURDER WAS REPORTED ON TELEVISION AND IN NEWSPAPERS. | CHRISTOPHER F | 06/03/1997 – After the arrest of two suspects in the CITGO murder Christopher F stopped by the CITGO station when television crew were there. He talked to media and clerk at CITGO. Then called CPD to give a statement of what he claims he saw the night of the murder. |
| CHRISTOPHER F | 06/03/1997 – Oral Statement CF said 3:00 am CITGO B/M stocky wearing a pullover at door, another B/M wearing a black coat by cooler. NOTE: THIS STATEMENT WAS GIVEN AT THE JAIL INSTEAD OF AT THE CPD DEPARTMENT. WHY WAS CF CALLED TO MEET THE DETECTIVE AT THE JAIL WHERE THE SUSPECT WAS HELD? | ||
| CHRISTOPHER F | 06/03/1997 – Shown photo line up. Did not recognize Lanard V but did claim LGH was B/M standing at the cooler that he saw. | ||
| CHRISTOPHER F | 06/03/1997 – Oral Statement Purchased a pack of cigarettes, $3.00 gasoline, and a 6 pak of Michelob | ||
| CHRISTOPHER F | 06/03/1997 – Written Statement – Entered CITGO, door was unlocked, saw man at cooler, said excuse me, CF grabbed his beer noticed another man, short B/M leaving the store in a hurry, other man used cooler as a mirror looking at the store in. CF purchased his beer and left store. | ||
| CHRISTOPHER F | 06/03/1997- Man at cooler wore dk hat and dk jacket. Man leaving store had a thick plaid shirt and low haircut. Also was wearing a beige colored pullover | ||
| CHRISTOPHER F | 06/03/1997 – Said spoke with BJW and said “working kind of late?” and she told him that she has to fill in sometimes. (This statement is false, BJW worked late nights for over 3 months at this station) | ||
| CHRISTOPHER F | 06/03/1997 – Now he purchased $3.00 in gas and a 6 pack of Michelob | ||
| CHRISTOPHER F | 06/03/1997 – Saw an old yellow looking 4 dr sedan parked on the property | ||
| CHRISTOPHER F | 09/07/1998 – Interview with LGW’s Investigator. CF was playing cards and drinking beer with three friends and his girlfriend Sheila J | ||
| CHRISTOPHER F | 09/07/1998 – Around midnight went over to the CITGO across the street to purchase a 6 pak of beer. | ||
| CHRISTOPHER F | 09/07/1998 – Saw B/M at cooler using cooler door as a mirror. CF said excuse me and B/M said “Oh” and stepped back. There was another customer in store, walked out with head down. B/M by cooler followed him out. CF did not see them drive away in a car. | ||
| CHRISTOPHER F | 09/07/1998 – B/M standing by cooler was light skinned, light eyes, light facial hair, curly hair visible from back edge of hat. B/M wore a black or dk green beret style hat and a leather jacket. The other B/M had on a plaid shirt or jacket. | ||
| CHRISTOPHER F | 09/07/1998 – BJW told CF she did not usually work the late shift. (False-she’s been working the late shift for over 3 months) CF paid for his BEER and left. | ||
| CHRISTOPHER F | 09/07/1998 – CF claimed he went to Charleston Sheriffs Dept about 2 days after murder. He contacted his cousin who works there. CF said he read the police were looking for a blue pickup truck. CF owns a blue pickup truck. CF said he was interviewed by County Det. Robinson who took notes as to what CF saw. | ||
| CHRISTOPHER F | 09/07/1998 -One year later drove by CITGO saw media at station regarding recent capture. CF stated he saw suspects photo in the newspaper shortly after. Then went to the jail house to see a photo line up and give his statement to Det. Goldstein. He picked out LGH as person standing at cooler. | ||
| CHRISTOPHER F | 09/07/1998 – CF said co-defendant Lanard V, 2 investigators came to his work and told him LGH was trying to get even with his cousin Lanard V. | ||
| CHRISTOPHER F | 10/13/1998 – DEPOSITION – CF WENT TO CITGO AT 3 AM TO BUY CIGARETTES AND BEER | ||
| CHRISTOPHER F | 10/13/1998 – DEPOSITION – NO ONE AT SHERIFFS DEPT TOOK MY STATEMENT OR TOOK OR COPIED THE DRAWING CF MADE OF SUSPECT. CAN’T FIND IT NOW. | ||
| CHRISTOPHER F | 10/13/1998 – DEPOSITION – CF SAID IT WAS UNUSUAL FOR BJW TO BE WORKING THAT LATE AT NIGHT. CF ASKED HER WHY SHE WAS WORKING SO LATE AND BJW SAID SHE HAD TO COME IN FOR SOMEBODY BECAUSE THEY DIDN’T SHOW UP. Note: BJW has been on the late shift more almost 3 months already. This was not unusual for her to be working this shift. | ||
| CHRISTOPHER F | 10/13/1998 – DEPOSITION – CF CONTINUES TO ANSWER, “MAYBE I DID, MAYBE I DIDN’T” TO WHETHER OR NOT HE SAW THE PICTURE OF LGH IN THE NEWSPAPER OR EVEN ON THE NEWS PRIOR TO GOING TO THE JAIL TO MAKE A STATEMENT AND PICTURE ID THE SUSPECT LGH. | ||
| CHRISTOPHER F | 10/13/1998 – DEPOSITION – CF INDICATES HE STOOD BY B/M SIDE BY THE COOLER DOOR FOR 30 SECONDS WAITING FOR HIM TO MOVE SO HE COULD BUY HIS BEER. CF FINALLY HAD TO SAY ‘EXCUSE ME’ | ||
| CHRISTOPHER F | 10/13/1998 – TESTIMONY – CF HAD 3 BEERS PRIOR TO DRIVING HIS BLUE CHEVY S10 PICKUP TRUCK TO CITGO TO BUY CIGARETTES AND BEER FOR GUESTS. | ||
| CHRISTOPHER F | 10/13/1998 – TESTIMONY – CF INDICATED HE STOOD BY B/M SIDE BY THE COOLER DOOR FOR 30 SECONDS WAITING FOR HIM TO MOVE SO HE COULD BUY HIS BEER. CF FINALLY HAD TO SAY ‘EXCUSE ME’ | ||
| CHRISTOPHER F | 10/13/1998 – TESTIMONY – CF SAW B/M FACE AS HE STOOD THERE FOR 30 SECONDS. WORE A DARK CANGO HAT AND DARK JACKET-NO PURCHASE. | ||
| CHRISTOPHER F | 10/13/1998 – TESTIMONY – CF PURCHASED A 6 PAK OF BOTTLED MICHELOB AND SOME CIGARETTES. | ||
| CHRISTOPHER F | 10/13/1998 – TESTIMONY – SHERIFFS OFFICE HAS NO MATERIAL OR INFORMATION THAT CF WAS EVER AT THE STATION AND GAVE A STATEMENT OR SHOWED THEM A PICTURE. | ||
| CHRISTOPHER F | 10/13/1998 – TESTIMONY – NOW CF TESTIMONY BECOMES HE WAS AT CITGO AT ABOUT 3:30 AM TO MATCH THE REGISTER TAPE THAT HE WAS SHOWN MATCHES A BEER AND CIGARETTE SALES AT THAT TIME. |
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