Between the late 1990s and early 2000s, Baton Rouge became a city wrapped in fear. Women began disappearing. Their bodies later turned up at brutal crime scenes. Residents canceled evening plans, self-defense classes surged, and pepper spray sold out across Louisiana.
Behind these horrors stood a single man—Derrick Todd Lee—a killer who managed to walk among the people unnoticed for years.
Clues Ignored: The Early Murders That Went Cold
In 1992, Connie Warner was found murdered in her home in Zachary. Six years later, Randi Mebruer disappeared from the same neighborhood under eerily similar circumstances. Police noted blood and signs of a violent struggle in both homes, yet no one linked the two cases at the time.
Detective David McDavid, one of just two officers in Zachary, believed a serial predator was operating in the area. Unfortunately, back then, the department lacked the forensic tools needed to build a case around DNA.
The Charming Face of Evil
While police searched for a shadow, Derrick Todd Lee lived an ordinary life in nearby St. Francisville. He worked steady jobs as a pipefitter and concrete finisher. To his community, he seemed like a regular guy—a husband, a father, and even a bit of a flirt.
However, behind that charming smile hid a predator. His criminal history included stalking, peeping, and violent assaults on women. In 1999, he was arrested for being a peeping Tom, and in 2000, he viciously beat a girlfriend.
Despite these red flags, Lee stayed out of jail. His charisma allowed him to blend in, and in many cases, he talked his way into victims’ homes without breaking a lock.
The Survivor Who Exposed a Killer
One woman managed to escape Lee’s deadly grip—Dianne Alexander. In 2002, Lee knocked on her door, posing as someone in need of a phone. When she let him in, he brutally attacked her. Only the sudden arrival of her teenage son scared him off.
Dianne’s clear description helped create a composite sketch. Later, DNA recovered from her body matched genetic material found at multiple crime scenes. Finally, investigators had their suspect.
The Known Victims of Derrick Todd Lee
DNA evidence connected Lee to at least seven murders, all involving bright, accomplished women. Each case revealed his capacity for sadism, manipulation, and violence.
Gina Wilson Green (39)
A nurse known for her warmth and professionalism. She was raped and strangled in her home in 2001.
Geralyn Barr DeSoto (21)
A college student with a passion for academics. She fought her attacker, leaving behind DNA that led police to Lee.
Charlotte Murray Pace (22)
An LSU graduate with a bright future. She was found stabbed and beaten in her apartment.
Pamela Kinamore (44)
An antiques dealer and artist. Her body was discovered near a bayou. She had been raped and murdered.
Trineisha Dené Colomb (23)
A military hopeful preparing for service. Her remains were found in St. Martin Parish.
Carrie Lynn Yoder (26)
A doctoral student in microbiology at LSU. She vanished and was later found in a swamp.
Victims Without Closure: Warner and Mebruer
Although Lee’s DNA wasn’t found in the Warner and Mebruer cases, investigators and prosecutors believe he was responsible for both murders. Detective McDavid still insists Lee fit the pattern perfectly and operated in that area at the time.
“We always had clues. But we didn’t have the tools,” McDavid reflected.
Capture, Trial, and Death Behind Bars
Once identified, Lee fled to Atlanta, but authorities quickly caught him. In 2004, he stood trial for the murders of DeSoto and Pace. The jury convicted him, and the court sentenced him to death.
Even after his conviction, Lee never confessed, nor did he express remorse for his crimes. He spent over a decade on death row at Angola Prison.
In 2016, he died of heart disease at the age of 47.
Legacy of Pain and Pursuit of Justice
Though Lee died in prison, many believe he never truly faced justice for all the lives he destroyed. His actions left scars that still linger in Baton Rouge and beyond.
John Sinquefield, the lead prosecutor, put it plainly:
“I wasn’t disappointed to hear he died of natural causes. That assured me he would never hurt anyone else.”
Still, many families continue to mourn not just the loss of their loved ones—but the years stolen by a killer who, for too long, hid in plain sight.
FAQs
Who were Derrick Todd Lee’s victims?
Lee was connected to at least seven women, including Gina Green, Geralyn DeSoto, Charlotte Pace, Pamela Kinamore, Trineisha Colomb, and Carrie Yoder. He is also suspected in two additional cases.
How was Derrick Todd Lee finally caught?
He was identified through a composite sketch and DNA evidence from surviving victim Dianne Alexander.
Did Lee ever confess to the murders?
No. He maintained his innocence until his death and never publicly admitted to the killings.
Was he sentenced to death?
Yes. Lee received the death penalty in 2004, though he died in prison of natural causes in 2016.
How did he evade capture for so long?
Lee’s charismatic demeanor, along with the lack of forensic training in earlier investigations, allowed him to remain undetected for years.
Are there more victims linked to Derrick Todd Lee?
Possibly. Investigators suspect there may be additional victims, especially in unsolved Louisiana cold cases.