Cynthia Coffman (Murderer)
California Serial Killer Case
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
California, United States
TIME PERIOD
October – November 1986
VICTIMS
4 confirmed
Cynthia Lynn Coffman, born January 19, 1962, is a convicted serial killer responsible for the murders of four women in California and Arizona between October and November 1986. The victims include Sandra Neary (32) on October 11, Pamela Simmons (35) on October 28, Corinna Novis (20) on November 7, and Lynel Murray (19) on November 12. Coffman and her boyfriend, James Gregory Marlow, were apprehended on November 14, 1986, after Coffman confessed to the crimes, claiming she was a victim of battered woman syndrome. In 1990, both were sentenced to death, with Coffman becoming the first woman on death row in California since the death penalty's reinstatement in 1977. She remains incarcerated at the Central California Women's Facility, while investigations continue into their potential involvement in other murders, including the 1986 slaying of Gregory Hill in Kentucky.
Cynthia Coffman claims she was a victim of battered woman syndrome, suggesting that her actions were influenced by her abusive relationship with James Gregory Marlow. Some believe that Marlow was the primary instigator of the violence, while others speculate that both were equally culpable in the murders. There is also a theory that their drug use significantly impaired their judgment and contributed to their violent behavior.
The Enigmatic and Deadly Partnership of Cynthia Coffman
A Deadly Alliance
In the grim tapestry of American crime, Cynthia Lynn Coffman stands out as a figure both notorious and enigmatic. Born on January 19, 1962, in St. Louis, Missouri, Coffman would become infamous as a serial killer, forever linked with the violent crimes of 1986 that claimed the lives of two women in California. Her partner in crime, both literally and figuratively, was her boyfriend, James Gregory Marlow. Together, they wove a chilling narrative of murder and mayhem that still echoes in the corridors of true crime history.
Coffman, now 63 years old, resides on death row at the Central California Women's Facility. Her conviction spans multiple heinous crimes, including first-degree murder with special circumstances, aggravated kidnapping, and forcible sodomy, among others. Her criminal journey, starting in October and spanning through November of 1986, led to the tragic end of four lives. Coffman's arrest on November 14, 1986, was the beginning of her long and torturous legal journey.
A Troubled Beginning
Cynthia Coffman's early life was marked by instability and abandonment. After her father left the family, she was raised by a mother who once attempted to give her and her siblings away. By 18, Coffman had already experienced the fleeting nature of relationships, having been married and become a mother, but her marriage quickly dissolved. Seeking a new path, she moved to Arizona, where fate introduced her to Marlow, fresh out of jail. Their bond was solidified through a shared addiction to methamphetamine, leading to a volatile marriage and a descent into violent crime.
The Crimes
The Coffman-Marlow duo embarked on a chilling crime spree in late 1986, accused of the kidnapping and murder of four women. Each victim was a tragic marker of their sinister journey:
- Sandra Neary, 32, vanished on October 11, 1986, from Costa Mesa, California.
- Pamela Simmons, 35, disappeared on October 28, 1986, from Bullhead City, Arizona.
- Corinna Novis, a mere 20 years old, was taken on November 7, 1986, from Redlands, California.
- Lynel Murray, only 19, was abducted on November 12, 1986, from Huntington Beach, California.
Their crime wave ended with their arrest on November 14, 1986. Coffman's subsequent confession added a layer of complexity to the case. Her defense argued that her actions were driven by a toxic relationship with Marlow, characterized by abuse and coercion. Despite these claims, the evidence painted a damning picture of their guilt.
In addition to the California murders, Coffman and Marlow were suspected in the July 7, 1986, slaying of Gregory Hill, 28, in Whitley City, Kentucky.
The Trial and Aftermath
The legal proceedings against Coffman and Marlow began in July 1989, culminating in death sentences the following year. Coffman earned the dubious distinction of being the first woman sentenced to death in California since the death penalty was reinstated in 1977. Her legal battles continued, with a 1992 trial adding a life sentence for another murder conviction.
Cynthia Coffman's story is a chilling reminder of how a life can spiral into darkness. Her case remains a point of reference for discussions on the death penalty and the complexities of criminal behavior in women, often overshadowed by their male counterparts.
Sources
- Los Angeles Times, April 26, 1992
- ROTWNEWS.com, September 19, 2012
- Property of the Folsom Wolf, Don Lasseter, 1995
- History.com, November 13, 2009
- Murders In The United States: Crimes, Killers And Victims Of The Twentieth Century, R. Barri Flowers, 2004
- Murder most rare: the female serial killer, Michael D. Kelleher, 1998
- Team killers: a comparative study of collaborative criminals, Jennifer Furio, 2001
For further reading and exploration of Cynthia Coffman's case, the Wikipedia article offers a comprehensive starting point: Cynthia Coffman (murderer)
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First Murder Committed
Cynthia Coffman and James Marlow kidnap and murder Sandra Neary in Costa Mesa, California.
Second Murder Committed
Coffman and Marlow kidnap and murder Pamela Simmons in Bullhead City, Arizona.
Third Murder Committed
Coffman and Marlow kidnap and murder Corinna Novis in Redlands, California.
Fourth Murder Committed
Coffman and Marlow kidnap and murder Lynel Murray in Huntington Beach, California.
Arrest of Coffman and Marlow
Cynthia Coffman and James Marlow are arrested following the investigation into the murders.
Trial Begins
The trial of Cynthia Coffman and James Marlow begins for the murders committed in 1986.
Death Sentences Issued
Cynthia Coffman and James Marlow are sentenced to death for their crimes.
Second Murder Conviction
Coffman is convicted of another murder and receives a life sentence.
Cynthia Lynn Coffman, born January 19, 1962, is a convicted serial killer responsible for the murders of four women in California and Arizona between October and November 1986. The victims include Sandra Neary (32) on October 11, Pamela Simmons (35) on October 28, Corinna Novis (20) on November 7, and Lynel Murray (19) on November 12. Coffman and her boyfriend, James Gregory Marlow, were apprehended on November 14, 1986, after Coffman confessed to the crimes, claiming she was a victim of battered woman syndrome. In 1990, both were sentenced to death, with Coffman becoming the first woman on death row in California since the death penalty's reinstatement in 1977. She remains incarcerated at the Central California Women's Facility, while investigations continue into their potential involvement in other murders, including the 1986 slaying of Gregory Hill in Kentucky.
Cynthia Coffman claims she was a victim of battered woman syndrome, suggesting that her actions were influenced by her abusive relationship with James Gregory Marlow. Some believe that Marlow was the primary instigator of the violence, while others speculate that both were equally culpable in the murders. There is also a theory that their drug use significantly impaired their judgment and contributed to their violent behavior.
The Enigmatic and Deadly Partnership of Cynthia Coffman
A Deadly Alliance
In the grim tapestry of American crime, Cynthia Lynn Coffman stands out as a figure both notorious and enigmatic. Born on January 19, 1962, in St. Louis, Missouri, Coffman would become infamous as a serial killer, forever linked with the violent crimes of 1986 that claimed the lives of two women in California. Her partner in crime, both literally and figuratively, was her boyfriend, James Gregory Marlow. Together, they wove a chilling narrative of murder and mayhem that still echoes in the corridors of true crime history.
Coffman, now 63 years old, resides on death row at the Central California Women's Facility. Her conviction spans multiple heinous crimes, including first-degree murder with special circumstances, aggravated kidnapping, and forcible sodomy, among others. Her criminal journey, starting in October and spanning through November of 1986, led to the tragic end of four lives. Coffman's arrest on November 14, 1986, was the beginning of her long and torturous legal journey.
A Troubled Beginning
Cynthia Coffman's early life was marked by instability and abandonment. After her father left the family, she was raised by a mother who once attempted to give her and her siblings away. By 18, Coffman had already experienced the fleeting nature of relationships, having been married and become a mother, but her marriage quickly dissolved. Seeking a new path, she moved to Arizona, where fate introduced her to Marlow, fresh out of jail. Their bond was solidified through a shared addiction to methamphetamine, leading to a volatile marriage and a descent into violent crime.
The Crimes
The Coffman-Marlow duo embarked on a chilling crime spree in late 1986, accused of the kidnapping and murder of four women. Each victim was a tragic marker of their sinister journey:
- Sandra Neary, 32, vanished on October 11, 1986, from Costa Mesa, California.
- Pamela Simmons, 35, disappeared on October 28, 1986, from Bullhead City, Arizona.
- Corinna Novis, a mere 20 years old, was taken on November 7, 1986, from Redlands, California.
- Lynel Murray, only 19, was abducted on November 12, 1986, from Huntington Beach, California.
Their crime wave ended with their arrest on November 14, 1986. Coffman's subsequent confession added a layer of complexity to the case. Her defense argued that her actions were driven by a toxic relationship with Marlow, characterized by abuse and coercion. Despite these claims, the evidence painted a damning picture of their guilt.
In addition to the California murders, Coffman and Marlow were suspected in the July 7, 1986, slaying of Gregory Hill, 28, in Whitley City, Kentucky.
The Trial and Aftermath
The legal proceedings against Coffman and Marlow began in July 1989, culminating in death sentences the following year. Coffman earned the dubious distinction of being the first woman sentenced to death in California since the death penalty was reinstated in 1977. Her legal battles continued, with a 1992 trial adding a life sentence for another murder conviction.
Cynthia Coffman's story is a chilling reminder of how a life can spiral into darkness. Her case remains a point of reference for discussions on the death penalty and the complexities of criminal behavior in women, often overshadowed by their male counterparts.
Sources
- Los Angeles Times, April 26, 1992
- ROTWNEWS.com, September 19, 2012
- Property of the Folsom Wolf, Don Lasseter, 1995
- History.com, November 13, 2009
- Murders In The United States: Crimes, Killers And Victims Of The Twentieth Century, R. Barri Flowers, 2004
- Murder most rare: the female serial killer, Michael D. Kelleher, 1998
- Team killers: a comparative study of collaborative criminals, Jennifer Furio, 2001
For further reading and exploration of Cynthia Coffman's case, the Wikipedia article offers a comprehensive starting point: Cynthia Coffman (murderer)
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
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First Murder Committed
Cynthia Coffman and James Marlow kidnap and murder Sandra Neary in Costa Mesa, California.
Second Murder Committed
Coffman and Marlow kidnap and murder Pamela Simmons in Bullhead City, Arizona.
Third Murder Committed
Coffman and Marlow kidnap and murder Corinna Novis in Redlands, California.
Fourth Murder Committed
Coffman and Marlow kidnap and murder Lynel Murray in Huntington Beach, California.
Arrest of Coffman and Marlow
Cynthia Coffman and James Marlow are arrested following the investigation into the murders.
Trial Begins
The trial of Cynthia Coffman and James Marlow begins for the murders committed in 1986.
Death Sentences Issued
Cynthia Coffman and James Marlow are sentenced to death for their crimes.
Second Murder Conviction
Coffman is convicted of another murder and receives a life sentence.