William Scott Smith
Oregon Serial Killer Case
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Salem, Oregon
TIME PERIOD
1981-1984
VICTIMS
4 confirmed
William Scott Smith, a convicted serial killer, kidnapped, sexually assaulted, and murdered at least four women in Salem, Oregon, between 1981 and 1984. He was apprehended in April 1984 and subsequently sentenced to four life terms in prison. The case is considered solved, although Smith remains a suspect in several other unsolved murders.
Theories surrounding the case of William Scott Smith include speculation that the murder of Terry Monroe may be linked to the I-5 Killer, a notorious serial killer active in the same region during that time. Additionally, some analysts have suggested a connection between Monroe's murder and the Oregon Museum Tavern shooting that occurred shortly after her death. However, these links remain unsubstantiated and are part of broader community discussions about potential connections to other unsolved cases.
William Scott Smith
Overview
William Scott Smith, born on April 29, 1959, in Portland, Oregon, is an infamously convicted American serial killer and kidnapper. Between 1981 and 1984, Smith terrorized Salem, Oregon, committing heinous acts of kidnapping, sexual assault, and murder against at least four women. He was sentenced to four life terms in prison and remains a suspect in several other unsolved murders. The complexity and chilling nature of his crimes have left a lasting impact on the community and the families of his victims.
Quick Facts
- Born: April 29, 1959 (Age 66)
- Location: Portland, Oregon, U.S.
- Conviction: Murder x4
- Criminal Penalty: Life imprisonment x4
- Victims: 4+
- Span of Crimes: 1981–1984
- Country: United States
- State: Oregon
- Date Apprehended: April 1984
- Imprisoned At: Undisclosed prison in Washington
The Murders
Terry Monroe
On February 12, 1981, 21-year-old Terry Cox Monroe was enjoying a night out with friends at the Oregon Museum Tavern in downtown Salem. After a brief chat and some cigarettes, she stepped outside to catch a breath of fresh air—and never returned. Concern grew the next day as she failed to show up for work, prompting friends and family to notify authorities.
Within just two hours of launching a search, Monroe's clothing and personal belongings were discovered on the banks of the Willamette River. Tragedy struck on March 15, when a boater spotted a body wedged in debris. The following day, it was confirmed to be Monroe’s, with coroner Dr. Larry Lewman concluding she had been strangled. In the wake of her death, a fund was set up in her name to encourage tips that might lead to justice, but the case went cold amid discussions of possible links to the I-5 Killer and the Oregon Museum Tavern shooting—both were ultimately dismissed.
Sherry Eyerly
Fast forward to July 4, 1982—the day 18-year-old Sherry Melissa Eyerly, a Domino's Pizza courier, vanished while making a delivery. Her car was discovered abandoned with her beloved collie still inside, leading to a frantic search. Initially uncovered by pastor David Stark and later by acquaintances of the Eyerly family, the vehicle was found on a dirt road outside of Salem.
Investigators learned that the delivery address was a fictitious location, and even the call-back number led to a motel. Despite extensive searches over the following days, Eyerly's body was never recovered, leaving her family and the community in anguish.
Rebecca Darling
The unsettling pattern continued on February 19, 1984, when 21-year-old Rebecca Anne Darling, an employee at a local Circle K store, mysteriously disappeared. Her car remained in the parking lot, along with her purse and coat, with no signs of struggle. The absence of any indicators of foul play was particularly alarming, as Darling was known for her reliability and dedication to her job.
The chilling discovery came on March 25, when a farmer found a decomposed body floating in the Little Pudding River, caught in some brush. Initially, investigators couldn’t determine the identity, but a subsequent autopsy confirmed it was Darling's, and she had also been strangled. Eyewitness reports indicated that a mysterious man had asked for her by name multiple times on the day of her disappearance, but despite a sketch being released, no leads materialized.
Katherine Redmond
Then came April 11, 1984—the day Katherine Ione Redmond, an 18-year-old freshman at Willamette University, went missing after leaving for an appointment. Her car was found abandoned shortly after, leading locals and authorities to rally in search efforts. Tragically, on April 15, her nude body was discovered in a wooded area outside Salem, bearing signs of sexual assault and strangulation.
The series of murders caught significant media attention, leading to warnings for women to avoid traveling alone. There was a notable spike in sales for self-defense items like Mace and firearms, and student organizations began offering escorts for female students, highlighting the palpable fear that gripped the community.
Arrest, Trial, and Imprisonment
As the investigation intensified following Redmond's murder, police turned their focus on William Scott Smith, then a 24-year-old unemployed truck driver with a troubling history of harassment against women dating back to 1977. On April 23, Smith pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor for making harassing phone calls to a young woman earlier that year. Amidst growing suspicion, District Attorney Michael J. Brown requested that Smith’s identity be withheld from the press until a serious charge could be levied against him.
Two days later, he was officially charged with the murders of Darling and Redmond. As the trial unfolded, Smith confessed to both killings, detailing his horrific methods, yet offering no clear motive. Although initially considered a possible candidate for mental health issues, two evaluations confirmed he was sane. Renowned psychiatrist Dr. Wesley Weissert described him as a "sexually sadistic serial killer" and an "extreme danger" to society. Ultimately, Smith was found guilty on July 9 and sentenced to two life terms with a possibility of parole after 20 years—a fate met with indifference by Smith, who displayed no visible emotion during sentencing.
Confessions
After being transferred to an out-of-state prison, Smith could not be definitively linked to Monroe's murder or Eyerly's disappearance, leaving those cases cold for decades. However, in late 2006, he confessed to Eyerly's murder, claiming that he and an accomplice had intended to abduct another Domino's employee but mistakenly targeted Eyerly instead. Tragically, rather than following through on their ransom plan, he strangled her and disposed of her body in the river. On December 18, 2007, Smith pleaded guilty to her murder, resulting in another life sentence. His accomplice, Roger Noseff, had passed away from cancer in 2003, leaving the case with unanswered questions.
In October 2012, Smith confessed to the murder of Terry Monroe, leading to a guilty plea and yet another life imprisonment term. This marked a significant achievement for the newly-formed Cold Case Unit of the Salem Police Department, solving a case that had remained dormant for over three decades. As of November 2021, Smith remains incarcerated and is considered a potential suspect in several other unsolved murders.
Sources
- Capi Lynn (May 5, 2021). "Cold case of Salem woman missing from Oregon Museum Tavern solved in 2012." Statesman Journal.
- Susan Brink (February 14, 1981). "Salem woman missing; police fear foul play." Statesman Journal.
- "Body found in Willamette." Statesman Journal. March 16, 1981.
- "Body found in Willamette is missing Salem woman." Statesman Journal. March 17, 1981.
- Michael Arrieta-Walden (February 20, 1984). "Woman disappears from job." Statesman Journal.
- Janet Evenson (July 10, 1984). "Smith guilty in 2 Salem murders." Statesman Journal.
- Dennis Thompson, Jr. and Ruth Liao (December 19, 2007). "CONFESSION, RESOLUTION: Inmate admits slaying woman in case that baffled Salem for 25 years." Statesman Journal.
- "Killer in jail confesses to decades-old slaying." Albany Democrat-Herald. October 19, 2012.
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First Murder: Terry Monroe
21-year-old Terry Monroe goes missing after leaving a tavern; her body is found a month later.
Second Victim: Sherry Eyerly
18-year-old pizza courier Sherry Eyerly goes missing after a delivery; her body is never found.
Third Murder: Rebecca Darling
21-year-old Rebecca Darling goes missing from work; her body is found a month later.
Fourth Murder: Katherine Redmond
18-year-old Katherine Redmond goes missing; her body is found days later showing signs of assault.
William Scott Smith Arrested
William Scott Smith is charged with the murders of Rebecca Darling and Katherine Redmond.
Smith Found Guilty
William Scott Smith is found guilty of the murders of Rebecca Darling and Katherine Redmond.
Sentenced to Life
William Scott Smith is sentenced to two life terms for the murders.
Confession: Sherry Eyerly
Smith confesses to the murder of Sherry Eyerly and receives an additional life sentence.
Confession: Terry Monroe
Smith confesses to the murder of Terry Monroe, leading to another life sentence.
William Scott Smith, a convicted serial killer, kidnapped, sexually assaulted, and murdered at least four women in Salem, Oregon, between 1981 and 1984. He was apprehended in April 1984 and subsequently sentenced to four life terms in prison. The case is considered solved, although Smith remains a suspect in several other unsolved murders.
Theories surrounding the case of William Scott Smith include speculation that the murder of Terry Monroe may be linked to the I-5 Killer, a notorious serial killer active in the same region during that time. Additionally, some analysts have suggested a connection between Monroe's murder and the Oregon Museum Tavern shooting that occurred shortly after her death. However, these links remain unsubstantiated and are part of broader community discussions about potential connections to other unsolved cases.
William Scott Smith
Overview
William Scott Smith, born on April 29, 1959, in Portland, Oregon, is an infamously convicted American serial killer and kidnapper. Between 1981 and 1984, Smith terrorized Salem, Oregon, committing heinous acts of kidnapping, sexual assault, and murder against at least four women. He was sentenced to four life terms in prison and remains a suspect in several other unsolved murders. The complexity and chilling nature of his crimes have left a lasting impact on the community and the families of his victims.
Quick Facts
- Born: April 29, 1959 (Age 66)
- Location: Portland, Oregon, U.S.
- Conviction: Murder x4
- Criminal Penalty: Life imprisonment x4
- Victims: 4+
- Span of Crimes: 1981–1984
- Country: United States
- State: Oregon
- Date Apprehended: April 1984
- Imprisoned At: Undisclosed prison in Washington
The Murders
Terry Monroe
On February 12, 1981, 21-year-old Terry Cox Monroe was enjoying a night out with friends at the Oregon Museum Tavern in downtown Salem. After a brief chat and some cigarettes, she stepped outside to catch a breath of fresh air—and never returned. Concern grew the next day as she failed to show up for work, prompting friends and family to notify authorities.
Within just two hours of launching a search, Monroe's clothing and personal belongings were discovered on the banks of the Willamette River. Tragedy struck on March 15, when a boater spotted a body wedged in debris. The following day, it was confirmed to be Monroe’s, with coroner Dr. Larry Lewman concluding she had been strangled. In the wake of her death, a fund was set up in her name to encourage tips that might lead to justice, but the case went cold amid discussions of possible links to the I-5 Killer and the Oregon Museum Tavern shooting—both were ultimately dismissed.
Sherry Eyerly
Fast forward to July 4, 1982—the day 18-year-old Sherry Melissa Eyerly, a Domino's Pizza courier, vanished while making a delivery. Her car was discovered abandoned with her beloved collie still inside, leading to a frantic search. Initially uncovered by pastor David Stark and later by acquaintances of the Eyerly family, the vehicle was found on a dirt road outside of Salem.
Investigators learned that the delivery address was a fictitious location, and even the call-back number led to a motel. Despite extensive searches over the following days, Eyerly's body was never recovered, leaving her family and the community in anguish.
Rebecca Darling
The unsettling pattern continued on February 19, 1984, when 21-year-old Rebecca Anne Darling, an employee at a local Circle K store, mysteriously disappeared. Her car remained in the parking lot, along with her purse and coat, with no signs of struggle. The absence of any indicators of foul play was particularly alarming, as Darling was known for her reliability and dedication to her job.
The chilling discovery came on March 25, when a farmer found a decomposed body floating in the Little Pudding River, caught in some brush. Initially, investigators couldn’t determine the identity, but a subsequent autopsy confirmed it was Darling's, and she had also been strangled. Eyewitness reports indicated that a mysterious man had asked for her by name multiple times on the day of her disappearance, but despite a sketch being released, no leads materialized.
Katherine Redmond
Then came April 11, 1984—the day Katherine Ione Redmond, an 18-year-old freshman at Willamette University, went missing after leaving for an appointment. Her car was found abandoned shortly after, leading locals and authorities to rally in search efforts. Tragically, on April 15, her nude body was discovered in a wooded area outside Salem, bearing signs of sexual assault and strangulation.
The series of murders caught significant media attention, leading to warnings for women to avoid traveling alone. There was a notable spike in sales for self-defense items like Mace and firearms, and student organizations began offering escorts for female students, highlighting the palpable fear that gripped the community.
Arrest, Trial, and Imprisonment
As the investigation intensified following Redmond's murder, police turned their focus on William Scott Smith, then a 24-year-old unemployed truck driver with a troubling history of harassment against women dating back to 1977. On April 23, Smith pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor for making harassing phone calls to a young woman earlier that year. Amidst growing suspicion, District Attorney Michael J. Brown requested that Smith’s identity be withheld from the press until a serious charge could be levied against him.
Two days later, he was officially charged with the murders of Darling and Redmond. As the trial unfolded, Smith confessed to both killings, detailing his horrific methods, yet offering no clear motive. Although initially considered a possible candidate for mental health issues, two evaluations confirmed he was sane. Renowned psychiatrist Dr. Wesley Weissert described him as a "sexually sadistic serial killer" and an "extreme danger" to society. Ultimately, Smith was found guilty on July 9 and sentenced to two life terms with a possibility of parole after 20 years—a fate met with indifference by Smith, who displayed no visible emotion during sentencing.
Confessions
After being transferred to an out-of-state prison, Smith could not be definitively linked to Monroe's murder or Eyerly's disappearance, leaving those cases cold for decades. However, in late 2006, he confessed to Eyerly's murder, claiming that he and an accomplice had intended to abduct another Domino's employee but mistakenly targeted Eyerly instead. Tragically, rather than following through on their ransom plan, he strangled her and disposed of her body in the river. On December 18, 2007, Smith pleaded guilty to her murder, resulting in another life sentence. His accomplice, Roger Noseff, had passed away from cancer in 2003, leaving the case with unanswered questions.
In October 2012, Smith confessed to the murder of Terry Monroe, leading to a guilty plea and yet another life imprisonment term. This marked a significant achievement for the newly-formed Cold Case Unit of the Salem Police Department, solving a case that had remained dormant for over three decades. As of November 2021, Smith remains incarcerated and is considered a potential suspect in several other unsolved murders.
Sources
- Capi Lynn (May 5, 2021). "Cold case of Salem woman missing from Oregon Museum Tavern solved in 2012." Statesman Journal.
- Susan Brink (February 14, 1981). "Salem woman missing; police fear foul play." Statesman Journal.
- "Body found in Willamette." Statesman Journal. March 16, 1981.
- "Body found in Willamette is missing Salem woman." Statesman Journal. March 17, 1981.
- Michael Arrieta-Walden (February 20, 1984). "Woman disappears from job." Statesman Journal.
- Janet Evenson (July 10, 1984). "Smith guilty in 2 Salem murders." Statesman Journal.
- Dennis Thompson, Jr. and Ruth Liao (December 19, 2007). "CONFESSION, RESOLUTION: Inmate admits slaying woman in case that baffled Salem for 25 years." Statesman Journal.
- "Killer in jail confesses to decades-old slaying." Albany Democrat-Herald. October 19, 2012.
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
Loading comments...
First Murder: Terry Monroe
21-year-old Terry Monroe goes missing after leaving a tavern; her body is found a month later.
Second Victim: Sherry Eyerly
18-year-old pizza courier Sherry Eyerly goes missing after a delivery; her body is never found.
Third Murder: Rebecca Darling
21-year-old Rebecca Darling goes missing from work; her body is found a month later.
Fourth Murder: Katherine Redmond
18-year-old Katherine Redmond goes missing; her body is found days later showing signs of assault.
William Scott Smith Arrested
William Scott Smith is charged with the murders of Rebecca Darling and Katherine Redmond.
Smith Found Guilty
William Scott Smith is found guilty of the murders of Rebecca Darling and Katherine Redmond.
Sentenced to Life
William Scott Smith is sentenced to two life terms for the murders.
Confession: Sherry Eyerly
Smith confesses to the murder of Sherry Eyerly and receives an additional life sentence.
Confession: Terry Monroe
Smith confesses to the murder of Terry Monroe, leading to another life sentence.