LINWOOD EARL FORTÉ | “The Nightstalker” | Serial Killer And Gerontophile Rapist Who Was Linked Via DNA To A Series Of Rapes And Murders Committed In Goldsboro, NC In 1990, And Is The Prime Suspect In An Unrelated Murder In 1994 | Sentenced To Death | ALS

Linwood Forté. Autographed Letter, Signed. Handwritten, Commercial #10 (4.125 × 9.5 envelope). Portland, OR. December 17, 2024. Content unknown. SEALED.

Linwood Earl Forté

Background Information

Linwood Earl Forté, born on July 25, 1964, is an American serial killer and rapist infamously known as “The Nightstalker”. He was linked through DNA evidence to a series of heinous crimes committed in Goldsboro, North Carolina, during 1990. His criminal activities primarily targeted elderly women, leading to multiple murders and sexual assaults.

Crimes Committed

Forté’s first recorded attack occurred on May 26, 1990, when he attempted to strangle 70-year-old Eliza Jones in her home. The attack was interrupted by the arrival of Jones’ daughter. Approximately two months later, on July 14, 1990, he suffocated 79-year-old Hattie Davis Bonner in a similar manner. The escalation of his violent behavior continued with the brutal double murder of Alvin Bowen and his blind wife Thelma on October 6, 1990. After stabbing Alvin and strangling Thelma, Forté attempted to destroy evidence by setting fire to their house.

Investigation and Arrest

The investigation into these murders initially faced challenges due to a lack of suspects and leads. However, as similarities between the cases became apparent – such as the age of victims and methods of attack – the police began to suspect a serial killer was at work. In 1996, Forté was convicted for unrelated charges that required him to submit a DNA sample. This sample was later matched to the DNA found at the crime scenes linked to the Nightstalker murders in 2001.

Forté was arrested on April 30, 2001. While awaiting trial for these murders, additional evidence surfaced linking him to the unsolved murder of Dora Ann Thomas in 1994; however, he was never tried for this crime.

Trial and Sentencing

During his trial for the Nightstalker cases, the overwhelming DNA evidence led to a swift conviction. He received a death sentence for his confirmed murders along with four consecutive life sentences for his rapes. His attorneys did not present any witnesses during the trial due to the strength of the prosecution’s case.

As of July 2022, Linwood Earl Forté remains on death row in North Carolina awaiting execution.

Conclusion

Linwood Earl Forté’s case highlights significant issues related to violent crime against vulnerable populations and demonstrates how advancements in forensic science can lead to solving cold cases long after they occur.

Archiving Protocol:

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• Photo Pages/Sheet Protectors: Heavyweight Clear Sheet Protectors, Acid Free & Archival Safe, 8.5 × 11, Top Load

• White Backing Board – Acid Free

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