Digest

This episode of Cold Case Files delves into the tragic murder of Tanna Woolie, a 20-year-old beauty queen found strangled in her apartment in Rosamond, California in 1978. The initial investigation yielded few leads, but Tanna's family hired private investigator Lou McNaught, who suspected a neighbor named Larry Haslet. McNaught's investigation pointed to Haslet as a potential suspect due to his strange behavior and proximity to Tanna's apartment. However, Haslet disappeared from the area, leaving the case cold for over two decades. Years later, a new generation of detectives reopened the case and discovered a crucial clue: a request for fingerprints from Larry Haslet. This led them to investigate Haslet's history, revealing he was a registered sex offender with a history of sexual assault. DNA evidence from the crime scene matched Haslet's DNA, confirming him as the suspect. He was arrested and charged with murder, but the prosecution faced challenges due to lack of evidence. The prosecution enlisted the help of an investigator who uncovered Haslet's history of sexual assault, leading four previous victims to come forward and testify against him. The sock used to strangle Tanna was also examined, revealing DNA evidence that further linked Haslet to the crime. After a week of testimony, the jury found Larry Haslet guilty of murder and sentenced him to death. Tanna's family found some closure in the conviction of their daughter's killer, emphasizing the importance of persistence in seeking justice.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Murder of Tanna Woolie

This episode of Cold Case Files introduces the case of Tanna Woolie, a 20-year-old beauty queen found murdered in her apartment in Rosamond, California in 1978. The investigation initially focuses on finding a suspect, but leads are scarce.

00:02:49

The Investigation and the Suspect

Tanna's family hires private investigator Lou McNaught, who begins investigating the case. He interviews residents of Tanna's apartment complex and suspects a neighbor named Larry Haslet. McNaught's investigation points to Larry Haslet as a potential suspect. He had been seen watching Tanna and had a history of strange behavior. However, Haslet disappears from the area, leaving McNaught unable to gather evidence. The case goes cold, and Tanna's family waits for justice.

00:07:05

The Cold Case Reopened and DNA Evidence

Over 20 years later, a new generation of detectives reopens Tanna's case. They find a clue that was missed in the original investigation: a request for fingerprints from Larry Haslet. The detectives discover that Haslet has a history of sexual assault and is a registered sex offender. They obtain a DNA sample from him and compare it to evidence from the crime scene. DNA evidence from the crime scene matches Larry Haslet's DNA, confirming him as the suspect. Detectives arrest and interrogate Haslet, who denies any involvement.

00:16:46

The Trial and Conviction

Haslet is arrested and charged with murder. Tanna's family is relieved, but the case is far from over. Haslet pleads not guilty, and the prosecution faces challenges due to lack of evidence. They enlist the help of an investigator to dig into Haslet's past. The investigator discovers that Haslet has a history of sexual assault, with four previous victims who never got their day in court. The four victims agree to testify against Haslet, providing evidence of his pattern of sexual assault. The prosecution examines the sock used to strangle Tanna, finding DNA evidence that further links Haslet to the crime. After a week of testimony, the jury finds Larry Haslet guilty of murder. He is sentenced to death. Tanna's family finds some closure in the conviction of their daughter's killer. They emphasize the importance of persistence in seeking justice.

Keywords

Q&A

• What happened to Tanna Woolie?

  Tanna Woolie was found raped and strangled in her apartment in Rosamond, California in 1978. The case went cold for over 20 years until DNA evidence linked her neighbor, Larry Haslet, to the crime.

• How was Larry Haslet identified as a suspect?

  Tanna's family hired a private investigator who suspected Haslet based on his strange behavior and proximity to Tanna's apartment. Years later, a new generation of detectives found a request for Haslet's fingerprints in the case file, leading to his identification as a suspect.

• What evidence was used to convict Larry Haslet?

  DNA evidence from the crime scene matched Haslet's DNA, confirming him as the suspect. Additionally, four previous victims of Haslet's sexual assault came forward to testify against him.

• What was the outcome of the trial?

  Larry Haslet was found guilty of murder and sentenced to death. Tanna's family found some closure in the conviction of their daughter's killer.

Show Notes