When a Serial Killer Terrorized Texas and Oklahoma

In 1997, a series of disappearances plagued the communities along Interstate 45, leaving fear and anguish in its wake. Laura Smither, Kelli Cox, Tiffany Johnston, and Jessica Cain, four young women, vanished without a trace, their fates unknown.

Despite the proximity and similarities of the cases, it would take more than two decades and the forensic hypnosis of a surviving victim to unravel the mystery and bring the perpetrator to justice.

Laura Smither: A Life Cut Short

Laura Smither, a talented 12-year-old ballerina, vanished on a quiet morning in April. Her disappearance shattered the peace of her Texas neighborhood, leaving her family and community devastated.

Extensive searches and investigations failed to locate Laura, and 17 days later, her body was discovered, shattering the hopes of her loved ones.

Kelli Cox: A Young Mother’s Tragic Fate

Three hundred miles north, Kelli Cox, a promising student and new mother, faced a similar fate. On a July evening, she disappeared after visiting the Denton City Jail. Suspicions initially fell on her boyfriend, but a polygraph test cleared him.

Without witnesses or leads, Kelli’s case grew cold, leaving her family and the community yearning for answers.

Tiffany Johnston: A Mystery at the Car Wash

Just days after Kelli’s disappearance, Oklahoma authorities stumbled upon an abandoned car at a car wash. The vehicle belonged to Tiffany Johnston, a 19-year-old newlywed who had planned to celebrate her anniversary that night.

Tiffany’s partially clothed body was discovered the next day, bearing signs of violence. Inconclusive DNA evidence left investigators at a dead end, and her case became another unsolved mystery.

Jessica Cain: A Family’s Worst Nightmare

The string of disappearances continued in August when Jessica Cain, a talented actress, vanished after a performance and party. Her abandoned truck was found on the highway shoulder, igniting a massive search effort that brought together the parents of Laura Smither.

Despite the community’s support and relentless efforts, Jessica’s fate remained a cruel unknown, leaving her family heartbroken.

Sandra Sapaugh: A Survivor’s Courage

In the midst of these disappearances, Sandra Sapaugh’s kidnapping provided a crucial breakthrough. In a chilling account, she recounted how a man forced her into his truck and attempted to assault her.

Driven by desperation, Sandra escaped, providing investigators with the first detailed description of the perpetrator.

Uncovering the Truth: Detective Sue Dietrich-Nance

Detective Sue Dietrich-Nance, trained in forensic hypnosis, played a pivotal role in piecing together the puzzle. Through hypnosis, Sandra recalled additional details about her captor, matching them to a suspect already on the radar: William Lewis Reece.

Reece had a history of violent crimes, including rape and kidnapping. His involvement in Sandra’s case led investigators to suspect his role in the other disappearances.

The Timeline of a Predator

Investigators created a meticulous timeline of Reece’s whereabouts, revealing his proximity to the locations where the women went missing. Gas receipts, calling cards, and other evidence placed him in the vicinity of their last known contact.

Confronted with this evidence, Reece agreed to cooperate with investigators to find the bodies of Jessica Cain and Kelli Cox in exchange for a plea deal.

Justice Served: The Trial of William Lewis Reece

Reece faced trial for the murder of Tiffany Johnston in Oklahoma. Surviving victim Sandra Sapaugh testified courageously, and hours of interrogation tapes were presented as evidence.

The jury swiftly returned a guilty verdict, and Reece was sentenced to death in August 2021.

In a subsequent plea deal, Reece admitted his guilt in the murders of Laura Smither, Jessica Cain, and Kelli Cox, receiving three life sentences.

The Pain Endures: The Families’ Legacy

Despite the capture of the perpetrator, the families of the victims continue to grieve the loss of their loved ones. The pain of their absence remains ever-present.

“I love her, and I miss her,” said Kathy Dobry, Tiffany Johnston’s mother. “She should be here with us.”

Conclusion

The string of disappearances that terrorized Texas and Oklahoma in 1997 serves as a haunting reminder of the darkness that can lurk within individuals. The pursuit of justice for the victims and their families was a testament to perseverance, collaboration, and the unwavering belief in finding the truth.

While the wounds inflicted by William Lewis Reece may never fully heal, the strength and resilience of the survivors and the families who sought justice provide a glimmer of hope in the face of unimaginable tragedy.