FUBAR File #9

Five college students were slain in late August 1990 in Gainesville by Danny Harold Rolling. The background of his victims:

Sonja Larson, 18, of Deerfield Beach, was a second semester University of Florida freshman, studying science and pre-engineering. She graduated from Pompano Beach's Ely High School in 1989. She was a member of Students Against Drunk Driving and a manager for the girl's varsity basketball team. Her body was found in her upstairs bedroom at Williamsburg Village Apartments on Aug. 26, 1990.

Christina Powell, 17, of Jacksonville, was a second semester UF freshman after attending summer school. She planned to study architecture. She graduated from Episcopal High School in 1990 and was editor of the high school yearbook and worked on the school's literary magazine. She also participated in a church youth group. Her mutilated body was found downstairs in the apartment she shared with Ms. Larson on Aug. 26, 1990. She had been raped.

Christa Hoyt, 18, of Archer. Hoyt was a chemistry honors student at Santa Fe Community College and planned to attend UF. She worked as a records clerk at the Alachua County Sheriff's Office and was a police explorer. Ms. Hoyt, whose nickname was "Glowworm," graduated from Newberry High School in 1989 and was a member of the band. Her decapitated body was discovered Aug. 27, 1990 in a duplex where she lived alone. She had been raped.

Manuel R. Taboada, 23, of Carol City. Attended Metro-Dade Community College and Santa Fe Community College. He graduated from American High School in 1984 and was president of the Thespians club and played high school football. His body was found in his bed at Gatorwood Apartments. Authorities believe Taboada was attacked as he slept.

Tracy Inez Paules, 23, of Miami, studied pre-law at UF. Paules was a member of the National Honor Society and 1984 homecoming queen at Miami's American High School, where she played soccer and softball. Her body was found in the Gatorwood Apartments unit she shared with Taboada. She had been sexually assaulted.

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Barring any last-minute, high-court intervention, Danny Harold Rolling, the admitted killer, will be strapped to a gurney at 6 p.m. today and injected with a lethal cocktail of drugs. His last meal was lobster, butterfly shrimp and a baked potato, sweet tea and strawberry shortcake. I grew up near Gainesville and I remember the fear that gripped that community. His crimes were gruesome and sadistic, earning him ethe title of theGainesville Ripper". and his is a day of closer for the victims families. I hate this bastard and I'm glad his is dying today. I only wish that it was going to be the electric chair or, better yet, a public hanging. Well, so much for progress. If you are unfamilier of his crimes, please read the Crime Library story "Savage Weekend" By Fiona Steel::
http://www.crimelibrary.com/serial_...ing/gain_1.html